Meaning of "Advance Guards" by Seals & Crofts

"Advance Guards" by Seals & Crofts delves into themes of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. The singer reminisces about a simpler past, where childhood was filled with the comforting presence of loved ones, particularly their mother and father. As the singer observes the changes in their parents due to aging and the inevitability of life moving forward, there is a sense of longing to return to a time when the fortresses of family were strong and reassuring. The imagery of soldiers in the field represents the challenges and obstacles that come with adulthood and the realization that life is not always simple or easy. The repeated desire to be taken back to what was once known and familiar reflects a universal longing for the security and comfort of the past. Overall, the song captures the bittersweet nature of growing older and the acceptance that change is inevitable.