Nobody's Soldier

Natalie Cole's 'Nobody's Soldier' is a poignant exploration of personal independence and the emotional aftermath of a breakup. The song opens with the singer reflecting on a past relationship, acknowledging the difficulty of saying goodbye and the bravery it took to part ways. This sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the struggle to find one's own path and the strength to stand alone. The imagery of a soldier marching to the rhythm of a lonely heart in the chorus underscores the sense of isolation and the resolve to not be bound by the expectations or needs of another person.

In the second verse, Cole delves deeper into the metaphor of life as a battlefield, emphasizing that each person must fight their own battles. The lines 'I can't win for you, you can't lose for me' highlight the necessity of personal responsibility and the futility of trying to live someone else's life. The mention of broken hearts and dreams left along the way suggests that these experiences, while painful, contribute to personal growth and resilience. The verse concludes with a reflection on the intensity of past emotions, suggesting that the singer's passionate approach to life and love has shaped her into who she is today.

The bridge offers a glimmer of hope, posing the question of how to begin anew and find freedom. This moment of introspection is followed by a sax solo, which adds a layer of emotional depth and serves as a musical representation of the journey towards healing. The song closes with a reiteration of the chorus, reinforcing the message of self-reliance and the determination to move forward. 'Nobody's Soldier' is a powerful anthem of independence, capturing the complexities of love, loss, and the quest for personal freedom.