Unknown Soldier by Breaking Benjamin Lyrics Meaning – A Deeper Dive into the Battle for Inner Peace
Lyrics
Dead inside
I don’t mind
Falling to pieces
Count me in, violent
Let’s begin feeding the sickness
How do I simplify?
Dislocate the enemy’s on the way
Show me what it’s like
To dream in black and white
So I can leave this world tonight
Full of fear
Ever clear
I’ll be here fighting forever
Curious, venomous
You’ll find me
Climbing to heaven
Never mind turn back time
You’ll be fine
I will get left behind
Show me what it’s like
To dream in black and white
So I can leave this world tonight
Holding on too tight
Breathe the breath of life
So I can leave this world behind
It only hurts just once
They’re only broken bones
Hide the hate inside
Oh
(Forever, one I’ll be fine)
Show me what it’s like
To dream in black and white
So I can leave this world tonight
Holding on too tight
Breathe the breath of life
So I can leave this world behind
In a time where music often skirts the surface of emotional depth, Breaking Benjamin’s ‘Unknown Soldier’ stands as a testament to the internal struggles that cage the human spirit. This track, nestled within the band’s discography, confronts the dichotomy of internal conflict and the search for serenity amid chaos.
The poignancy of ‘Unknown Soldier’ lies in its layered lyricism, cloaked in the metaphorical uniform of a soldier at war. It’s a sonic and lyrical journey that grapples with the concept of self, the battles within, and the resilience of the human soul. Through dissecting the profound verses of this powerful ballad, we encounter a deeper understanding of the invisible wars we fight and the hope of transcendence.
The Battlefront Within: Decoding the Soldier’s Struggle
At the fore of ‘Unknown Soldier’s’ stirring message is the struggle of the self against its own darkness. The soldier, emblematic of anybody suffering in silence, epitomizes the human condition’s natural inclination to battle with internal demons. In lyrics like ‘Border line, dead inside,’ and ‘Let’s begin feeding the sickness’, there is an honest, raw admission of the turmoil that plagues the soul.
This is not just a narrative about war heroes or the physically wounded; this is an anthem for those who wage silent battles against their mental adversaries. The internal enemy could represent anything from depression, anxiety, to post-traumatic stress, signifying a universal fight that each ‘unknown soldier’ faces.
Escaping in Monochrome: The Lure of a Black and White Dream
‘Show me what it’s like to dream in black and white, So I can leave this world tonight,’ croons the chorus, echoing a longing for escape from the overwhelming complexity of reality’s hues. Dreaming in black and white represents a simpler existence, free from the shades of gray that muddle our perceptions and emotions.
The dichotomy of black and white symbolizes clarity, a stark contrast to the often ambiguous and painful nature of lived experiences. It’s a poignant wish for release, a desire to find refuge in the absolutes of a dream world, negating the relentless ambiguity and suffering of life.
Clinging to Life: The Paradox of the Fierce Grip
The juxtaposition of ‘Holding on too tight’ next to ‘Breathe the breath of life’ illustrates a fundamental paradox—embrace life fervently, yet accept the need to let go. It’s the ultimate battle between the instinct to survive and the exhaustion that comes with enduring ceaseless battles.
Interestingly, the tighter one grips onto life and struggles against its intrinsic adversities, the more suffocating it can become. Breaking Benjamin brilliantly unfolds the narrative of finding balance between the fight for survival and the grace of release.
The Hidden Meaning: Strength Through Vulnerability
While on the surface ‘Unknown Soldier’ could be misinterpreted as a mere glorification of strength and resilience, there’s a subtle undercurrent of vulnerability that courses through the lyrics. Phrases such as ‘It only hurts just once’ and ‘They’re only broken bones’ minimize the pain in an attempt to mask a deeper fragility.
Acknowledging this duality reveals the song’s real message—it’s not merely about the stoicism of an unwavering warrior, but the courage to recognize one’s wounds, to confront the fragility that makes us achingly human. By finding power in vulnerability, we uncover a profound resilience.
Memorable Lines: The Anthem of the Wounded
‘They’re only broken bones. Hide the hate inside’—such lines reverberate with a relatable aching. It is a visceral acknowledgment of the internalized scars that many carry quietly. The literal imagery of brokenness serves as a metaphor for the emotional and psychological damage that isn’t always visible.
These lyrics resonate with listeners, becoming a battle cry for those nursing unseen injuries. It’s in this shared understanding that Breaking Benjamin fosters a sense of unity and emboldens listeners, offering solace that they are not alone in their silent struggle.
