Meaning of "War Dance" by XTC

In "War Dance," XTC explores the idea of how war and propaganda can manipulate and control public sentiment, especially among the youth. The lyrics depict the infectious nature of patriotic fervor, describing it as an epidemic that stirs passions and drives people towards a sense of nationalistic pride. The mention of Churchill and the resurrection of national service allude to the glorification of past conflicts and military figures, emphasizing the power of historical narratives in shaping contemporary beliefs. The reference to the first world war highlights the cyclical nature of war and how the same sentiments of fervor and national pride can lead to destructive conflicts. Overall, the song serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following the calls to war and the manipulation of emotions for political gain.