Army Dreamers

Kate Bush's 'Army Dreamers' is a poignant and melancholic song that delves into the tragic loss of a young soldier. The song's narrative is from the perspective of a mother, referred to as 'Mammy,' who is mourning the death of her son, a soldier who has been sent home from the British Forces Post Office (B.F.P.O.), which is a mail service for the British armed forces. The lyrics paint a picture of a young life cut short and the senselessness of war.

The song's chorus reflects on the unfulfilled potential of the young soldier, suggesting alternative paths his life could have taken, such as becoming a rock star, a politician, or a father. However, these dreams were never realized because his life was taken prematurely. The repetition of 'What could he do?' emphasizes the lack of choice and control the soldier had over his own destiny. The phrase 'What a waste' mourns not only the loss of life but also the loss of potential and the dreams that will never be fulfilled.

The music and Bush's haunting vocals contribute to the song's somber mood, underscoring the themes of grief and the futility of war. 'Army Dreamers' is a commentary on the personal and societal costs of military conflict, highlighting the individual stories of loss behind the broader narrative of war. It's a powerful reminder of the young lives that are often sacrificed and the dreams that die with them on the battlefield.