"1939 Returning" tells the story of a man who was captured behind enemy lines in 1939, sacrificing his life for Germany. The lyrics also touch on the experiences of children evacuated during wartime, the memories of an elderly woman who remembers leaving town in worn-out shoes, and the emptiness felt in 2009 by someone who has only seen their loved one twice since she went west for the second time in 1939.

Meaning of "1939 Returning" by Peter Doherty

The lyrics of "1939 Returning" explore themes of sacrifice, loss, displacement, and the passage of time. The song delves into the impact of war on individuals and society as a whole, highlighting the sense of longing, loneliness, and nostalgia that linger long after the events have taken place. The references to historical events such as evacuations during World War II and the sacrifices made by individuals for their countries serve to remind listeners of the lasting effects of conflict on generations. The song also examines the idea of returning to the past, either physically or emotionally, and the ways in which memories can shape one's present reality, leaving a sense of longing for what was lost.