Meaning of "Call to Arms" by Sturgill Simpson
In "Call to Arms," Sturgill Simpson delivers a scathing commentary on the military-industrial complex and the manipulation of young soldiers for the benefit of those in power. By listing various countries embroiled in conflict, including Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, he emphasizes the never-ending cycle of war without clear resolutions. The repetition of "How many more of 'em they're gonna send" underscores the senseless loss of life and the futility of these military interventions.
Simpson also criticizes the motivations behind these wars, suggesting that they are driven by a desire to control resources, such as oil and heroin. The line "Well, son, I hope you don't grow up, believin' that you've got to be a puppet to be a man" challenges the idea that one must blindly serve the government to be considered a responsible adult. He implies that true strength lies in questioning authority and not being complicit in perpetuating harmful systems.
The artist goes on to explore the dehumanization of soldiers, where they are stripped of their individuality and molded into obedient fighting machines. The line "Wearing that Kim Jong-il hat, Grandma's selling pills stat, meanwhile I'm wearing my can't-pay-my-fucking-bills hat" juxtaposes the absurdity of political posturing with the struggles of everyday life for ordinary people. This contrast underscores the disconnect between those in power and the average citizen.
Simpson further critiques society's passive acceptance of war and its preoccupation with technology and consumerism. The lines "Well, nobody's looking up to care about a drone, all too busy looking down at our phone" highlight the apathy and indifference towards the consequences of warfare. He suggests that people are willingly distracted by media and entertainment, allowing the government's actions to go unchecked. The mention of "refreshing obsessively until our eyes start to bleed" symbolizes the addiction to constant information consumption and the harmful effects it has on our well-being.
Ultimately, Simpson encourages listeners to reject the narratives perpetuated by the media and to take control of their own lives. By urging individuals to "Turn off the TV" and "Turn off the news," he calls for a collective awakening and a rejection of the distractions that prevent us from engaging in meaningful action. He concludes with the strong statement that "Bullshit's got to go," emphasizing the need for change and resistance against the manipulations of those in power.
