This Is War by Thirty Seconds to Mars Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Anthem of Reckoning
Lyrics
This is war
To the soldier, the civilian, the martyr, the victim
This is war
It’s the moment of truth and the moment to lie
And the moment to live and the moment to die
The moment to fight, the moment to fight,
To fight, to fight, to fight
To the right to the left
We will fight to the death
To the edge of the earth,
It’s a brave new world from the last to the first
To the right, to the left,
We will fight to the death
To the edge of the earth
It’s a brave new world, it’s a brave new world
(Whoa oh, whoa oh)
A warning to the prophet, the liar, the honest
This is war
To the leader, the pariah, the victor, the messiah
This is war
It’s the moment of truth and the moment to lie
And the moment to live and the moment to die
The moment to fight, the moment to fight,
To fight, to fight, to fight
To the right, to the left,
We will fight to the death
To the edge of the earth,
It’s a brave new world from the last to the first
To the right, to the left,
We will fight to the death
To the edge of the earth
It’s a brave new world, it’s a brave new world, it’s a brave new world
I do believe in the light, raise your hands up to the sky
The fight is done, the war is won, lift your hands towards the sun
Towards the sun, (it’s the moment of truth and the moment to lie
It’s the moment to live and the moment to die, the moment to fight)
Towards the sun,
Towards the sun, (it’s the moment of truth and the moment to lie
It’s the moment to live and the moment to die, the moment to fight)
The war is won (to fight, to fight, to fight, to fight)
To the right, to the left,
We will fight to the death
To the edge of the earth,
It’s a brave new world from the last to the first
To the right, to the left,
We will fight to the death
To the edge of the earth
It’s a brave new world, it’s a brave new world, it’s a brave new world
A brave new world
The war is won
The war is won
A brave new world
Amidst a landscape of bombastic beats and haunting vocals lies a song steeped in an intensity that transcends its own melody. Thirty Seconds to Mars’s ‘This Is War’ functions as both an electrifying rock anthem and a profound commentary on the human condition. The track juxtaposes the combustible nature of conflict with the resilience of the human spirit.
The band, known for its sweeping conceptual pieces, doesn’t hold back with ‘This Is War.’ The lyrics serve as a rallying cry, a beacon within the cacophony of battle cries, a reflection on the internal and external struggles that define our existence. It’s a raw confrontation, but also an insightful examination of the clashes that shape our world, be they on the battlefield or within the chambers of the human heart.
The Call to Arms: Decoding the Battle Cries
The opening lines serve as a primal scream, a ‘warning to the people, the good and the evil.’ Here we dive into the inclusive nature of war, as it spares no one, touching soldier, civilian, martyr, and victim alike. The song doesn’t discriminate but envelops all in its message, becoming a universal experience for the listener. It shatters the illusion of separation, underscoring that in war’s grand theater, everyone plays a part.
There’s also a sense of immediacy and inevitability with the words ‘This is war.’ The use of the present tense brings the listener into the moment, a participant rather than a mere spectator. It challenges the indulgence in the far-removed viewpoint, pushing the audience to acknowledge their role in the conflicts that define the age.
The Moment to Fight: Facing Our Inner and Outer Demons
In both the repetition and rhythm of the lyrics, ‘the moment to fight,’ is central to the song. It isn’t just a physical confrontation but a psychological turning point. The dichotomy of truth and lies, living and dying, captures the essence of struggle. In war, just as in life, these moments find us with little warning, calling into question how we’ll respond when faced with moments of extreme consequence.
Through these lines, the band taps into an ancient and unwavering aspect of the human psyche: the fight for survival and the search for meaning. It is a reminder of the decisions we are compelled to make when confronted with life’s most profound challenges, a mirror to our nature when the stakes are highest.
Unearthing the Song’s Hidden Meaning: A Brave New World Unfolds
Beneath the drumming crescendo and defiant chords lies a deeper resonance within ‘This is War.’ The band crafts an allegory not simply about global conflict but about personal revolution. By pairing the physical landscape of a battlefield with the concept of ‘a brave new world,’ the song suggests the transformative power of war – not as destruction, but as an agent of change.
The invocation of a ‘brave new world,’ taken from Aldous Huxley’s dystopian novel, juxtaposes the idea of a fresh start with the inherent skepticism of its outcome. There is an undeniable tension between hope for the future and the recognition of war’s brutal reality. It’s a nod to the cyclical nature of conflict and its role as a harrowing yet potent catalyst for societal and personal evolution.
Under the Spotlight: The Most Memorable Lines
Certain lyrics in ‘This Is War’ resonate with arresting clarity, such as ‘I do believe in the light, raise your hands up to the sky,’ which provides a stark contrast to the song’s overriding theme of conflict. It suggests a faith in victory and goodness, an enduring belief that transcends the tumult of war. This line ignites a spark of hope amidst despair, a call to look beyond the horizon of struggle.
Another arresting line, ‘The fight is done, the war is won, lift your hands towards the sun,’ carries a sense of culmination and relief. It is a declaration of triumph, perhaps as much over personal trials as global ones. It speaks to the essence of conflict – the ultimate goal of peace and the intense relief when strife gives way to resolution.
Impact and Influence: This Is War’s Mark on Music and Minds
‘This Is War’ doesn’t just ripple across the airwaves; it leaves an imprint on the collective consciousness of its audience. It’s a song that has become a point of reference for those dealing with their own battles, whether they’re fighting in armed combat or wrestling with inner demons. The track’s anthemic quality inspires unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
The influence of ‘This Is War’ extends beyond the simple scope of music entertainment; it has soundtracked significant moments in popular culture and has been adopted by movements and causes as a hymn of perseverance and courage. By crafting a piece that weaves complex themes into an accessible tapestry of music, Thirty Seconds to Mars has bestowed upon their listeners a timeless reminder of the ubiquity of conflict and the endurance of the human spirit.
