Let's Go

The Ramones' song 'Let's Go' is a fast-paced, energetic track that delves into the mindset of a mercenary, a soldier for hire. The lyrics express a disdain for conventional paths like education, as indicated by the line 'Don't wanna study on the G.I. Bill,' and instead show a preference for the thrill and chaos of combat. The repetition of 'Let's go' serves as a rallying cry, emphasizing the readiness to dive into action.

The song portrays the mercenary as someone who is indifferent to the causes they fight for, highlighting a willingness to 'fight for anyone, fight for money, fight for fun.' This detachment from the moral implications of warfare is underscored by the mention of an 'smg with a full clip,' suggesting a focus on the tools of violence rather than the reasons behind it. The Ramones capture the adrenaline and the dark allure of being a gun-for-hire, a person who thrives in the midst of conflict and uncertainty.

However, there's a subtle shift in the narrative when the lyrics touch on a sense of fear and a longing for the safety of home. The lines 'Mommy, daddy, can I please come home / Even if just for one night' reveal a vulnerability that contrasts with the earlier bravado. This moment of reflection adds depth to the song, suggesting that beneath the hardened exterior of a mercenary, there may still linger a desire for comfort and normalcy, even if it's fleeting.