The narrator reflects on belonging to an in-between place, having been wrong before, and feeling like they have chosen sides in an unwinnable war. They express the need to fight for something, hope for change, and the struggle of feeling paralyzed and erased.

Meaning of "Unwinnable War" by The Milk Carton Kids

The lyrics of "Unwinnable War" by The Milk Carton Kids delve into themes of identity, belonging, and the search for purpose. The narrator seems to be in a constant state of limbo, feeling like they don't quite fit in and have made mistakes in the past. The idea of an unwinnable war reflects the futility of fighting battles that cannot be won, whether internally or externally. The longing for something to fight for suggests a desire for meaning and direction in life, while also grappling with feelings of invisibility and the need to leave a mark on the world. The references to being blind, paralysed, and held at bay convey a sense of being stuck in a state of helplessness and frustration. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of internal conflict, searching for purpose, and the struggle to find agency in a world that can often feel unforgiving and unchanging.