Meaning of "Clap Hands Two Guns" by The Menzingers

The lyrics of "Clap Hands Two Guns" delve into the heavy toll of war on an individual level, highlighting the internal struggle and moral ambiguity faced by soldiers in combat. The reference to counting holes left by battle serves as a metaphor for the scars and trauma inflicted by war, with the protagonist unable to escape the haunting memories of violence and death. The juxtaposition of a young man's cause being revealed as an old man's game speaks to the disillusionment and loss of innocence that comes with the reality of warfare. The protagonist's conflicted feelings towards killing and the futility of war are conveyed through vivid imagery and introspective musings, offering a poignant commentary on the devastating consequences of armed conflict.