Sabaton’s “The Unkillable Soldier” Lyrics Meaning

The late Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart (1880-1963) arguably stands as the quintessential example of a natural born killer. That is not to say that he was going around murdering innocents or anything like that. Rather he was an early 20^th century British soldier who, by the looks of things, was addicted to warfare – or as Sabaton put it “forged for… war”. In other words, even after suffering the types of injuries and going through the kinds of experience that would compel most soldiers to quit, he remained active throughout a military career that spanned six decades. 

Apparently though, Wiart’s main claim to fame is not the length of his service but the fact that he had proven so “unkillable”. The project this song is derived from, “The War to End All Wars”, is a concept album based on World War I. And it can also be said that this was the conflict in which Adrian had been most notably involved.

It was during this particular era where he lost an eye, part of an ear, a hand, some fingers, etc. And still “the unkillable soldier” kept on going, as alluded to earlier. So that would be why his life story made the cut of the aforementioned album.

Well actually, this song is part biographical, pointing out for instance that de Wiart was of Belgian and Irish parentage and also had “studied law” (having been the son of a lawyer). But most of the lyrical focus is on the concept of him being “unkillable”, as in “ignoring” numerous harrowing injuries, as documented above, to remain on the battlefield.

In Conclusion

Conclusively the subject is depicted as a war hero – someone who did things his way, so to speak. That is to say that he didn’t expire on the battlefield, nor was he known to ever display any regret for having been a lifelong warrior. Indeed one aspect of Adrian Carton de Wiart’s career which isn’t pointed out is that due to his WWI service he was awarded the Victoria Cross, i.e. the highest honor a British soldier can receive.

When was “The Unkillable Soldier” released?

Nuclear Blast Records released this track on 11 February 2022. It is the third single from Sabaton’s “The War to End All Wars” album.

Originally “The Unkillable Solider” was supposed to be made public on 18 February. However, due to some COVID related issues the date was moved up.

The album’s first two singles are:

• “Christmas Truce”
• “Soldier of Heaven”