Done With Bonaparte

Mark Knopfler's 'Done With Bonaparte' is a poignant reflection on the disillusionment and suffering experienced by soldiers during Napoleon Bonaparte's military campaigns. The song is narrated from the perspective of a war-weary soldier who has endured the brutal hardships of war, particularly the disastrous Russian campaign. The opening lines vividly describe the harrowing conditions faced by the soldiers, with references to the burning of Moscow, the relentless attacks by Cossacks, and the desperate struggle for survival. The imagery of a 'frozen starving beggar band' and 'rats stealing each other's scraps' underscores the dehumanizing and degrading nature of their plight.

The chorus serves as a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and healing, as the soldier expresses his disillusionment with Bonaparte and the false promises of glory and conquest. The repeated invocation of 'Save my soul from evil, Lord' and 'heal this soldier's heart' highlights the deep emotional and spiritual wounds inflicted by the war. The soldier's trust in the Lord to keep him safe signifies a turning away from the ideals of Napoleonic ambition and a yearning for peace and redemption.

The song also touches on the personal sacrifices and losses endured by the soldier. He recalls the dreams of grandeur and conquest that once inspired them, only to be shattered by the brutal realities of war. The mention of losing an eye at Austerlitz and the enduring pain of a sabre slash serves as a metaphor for the lasting scars of war. The soldier's longing for his 'one true love' and the hope for a safe return to 'belle France' adds a deeply personal dimension to the narrative. The final verse reflects a broader hope for future generations, praying that their children will never be led into such devastating conflicts again. Through its evocative lyrics and emotional depth, 'Done With Bonaparte' captures the profound disillusionment and enduring hope of those who have experienced the horrors of war.