War!

Zach Callison's song 'War!' is a vivid portrayal of a tumultuous relationship, using the metaphor of war to describe the emotional battles between two lovers. The lyrics are filled with imagery of conflict, from 'cannon fire' to 'guns and bombs,' illustrating the intensity and destructiveness of their interactions. The song opens with a reflection on the cost of time and emotional investment, hinting at the toll the relationship has taken on the narrator. The use of terms like 'feud' and 'cannon fire' sets the stage for a narrative of ongoing strife and unresolved tension.

The chorus, 'So this is war! Isn't that what love is for? Blood and gore is all I get for being yours,' encapsulates the central theme of the song. It suggests that love, in this context, is synonymous with conflict and pain. The reference to 'two heathens ruled by demons' further emphasizes the idea that their love is driven by darker, uncontrollable forces. The narrator's determination to 'finish what I start' indicates a refusal to back down, even in the face of emotional turmoil.

Throughout the song, Callison uses a mix of personal jabs and broader reflections on the nature of their relationship. Lines like 'You barely wrote 'em anyway' and 'Half your songs got thrown away' serve as both critiques of the lover's creative output and metaphors for the discarded efforts in their relationship. The repeated invocation of 'Juanita' adds a personal touch, making the conflict feel more intimate and real. The song concludes with a resigned acceptance of the ongoing battle, underscored by the repeated phrase 'That's alright, that's okay,' suggesting a weary acknowledgment of the never-ending cycle of conflict and reconciliation.