Kate Bush’s Army Dreamers, released in 1980, stands as a powerful anti-war anthem that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its debut.
This haunting ballad, featured on Kate Bush’s album “Never for Ever,” delves deep into the personal tragedies often overshadowed by larger political conflicts.
A Mother’s Perspective on War’s Toll
At its core, Army Dreamers tells the story of a mother grappling with the untimely death of her son during military service.
Kate Bush’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of loss, regret, and the futility of war.
“Our little army boy
Is coming home from B.F.P.O
We’ve a bunch of purple flowers
To decorate a mammy’s hero”
The song’s power lies in its ability to humanise the abstract concept of war casualties.
By focusing on a single mother’s grief, Bush creates an intimate portrait of the far-reaching impacts of conflict on individuals and families.
The Vulnerable Irish Accent
One of the most striking elements of Army Dreamers is Bush’s decision to sing with an Irish accent.
This choice was not merely stylistic but deeply rooted in the song’s narrative approach.
In a 1980 interview with Zigzag magazine, Kate Bush explained:
“The Irish accent was important because the treatment of the song is very traditional, and the Irish would always use their songs to tell stories; it’s the traditional way. There’s something about an Irish accent that’s very vulnerable, very poetic, and so by singing it in an Irish accent, it comes across in a different way.”
This deliberate use of accent adds another layer of emotional depth to the already poignant lyrics, enhancing the song’s storytelling power.
Beyond Northern Ireland: A Universal Tale
While the Irish accent might lead some listeners to assume the song is specifically about the conflict in Northern Ireland, Bush intentionally broadened its scope.
She incorporated references to the British Forces Post Office (B.F.P.O) to expand the narrative beyond any single conflict.
Kate Bush clarified in the same Zigzag interview:
“The song was meant to cover areas like Germany, especially with the kids that get killed in manoeuvres, not even in action. It doesn’t get brought out much, but it happens a lot. I’m not slagging off the Army; it’s just so sad that there are kids who have no O-levels and nothing to do but become soldiers, and it’s not really what they want. That’s what frightens me.”
This broader perspective allows Army Dreamers to speak to the universal tragedy of young lives lost in military service, regardless of the specific conflict or country involved.
The Tragedy of Limited Options
One of the most poignant aspects of Army Dreamers is its exploration of the societal factors that lead young people to enlist.
The chorus repeatedly asks, “What could he do?” followed by alternative life paths the young man might have taken:
“(What could he do? Should have been a rock star)
But he didn’t have the money for a guitar
(What could he do? Should have been a politician)
But he never had a proper education
(What could he do? Should have been a father)
But he never even made it to his twenties”
This refrain underscores the wasted potential and the limited options available to many young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Army Dreamer lyrics suggest that for some, joining the military isn’t a calling but a last resort due to lack of education or opportunities.
“Army Dreamer” Lyrics: A Timeless Anti-War Statement
Over four decades after its release, Army Dreamers remains a powerful anti-war statement.
Its inclusion on a list of songs deemed inappropriate for airplay by the BBC during the first Gulf War speaks to its enduring impact and ability to provoke thought about the consequences of conflict.
Bush’s nuanced approach to the subject matter allows the song to critique the human cost of war without directly attacking the military institution.
Instead, it invites listeners to consider the systemic issues that lead young people to enlist and the tragic outcomes that can result.
Experiencing “Army Dreamers”
For those new to Kate Bush’s work, Army Dreamers serves as an excellent introduction to her storytelling prowess and emotive vocal style.
The song’s blend of traditional instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, mandolin, and bodhrán, creates an intimate atmosphere that draws listeners into its narrative.
To fully appreciate the depth of Army Dreamers, consider listening to the track while watching its accompanying music video.
Directed by Kate Bush herself, the video adds visual symbolism that enhances the song’s themes, creating a multi-layered artwork that continues to resonate with audiences today.
As we reflect on Army Dreamers, it’s clear that Kate Bush created more than just a song; she crafted a poignant commentary on war, loss, and societal responsibility.
Its enduring relevance invites listeners to engage with its narrative, contemplate its message, and perhaps gain a deeper understanding of the far-reaching impacts of war on individuals and families.
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Kate Bush Army Dreamers Lyrics
Intro
(B.F.P.O)
(Army dreamers)
(Mammy’s hero)
(B.F.P.O)
(Mammy’s hero)
Verse 1
Our little army boy
Is coming home from B.F.P.O
We’ve a bunch of purple flowers
To decorate a mammy’s hero
Mourning in the aerodrome
The weather warmer, he is colder
Four men in uniform
To carry home my little soldier
Chorus
(What could he do? Should have been a rock star)
But he didn’t have the money for a guitar
(What could he do? Should have been a politician)
But he never had a proper education
(What could he do? Should have been a father)
But he never even made it to his twenties
What a waste, army dreamers
Oh, what a waste of army dreamers
Verse 2
Tears over a tin box
Oh, Jesus Christ, he wasn’t to know
Like a chicken with a fox
He couldn’t win the war with ego
Give the kid the pick of pips
And give him all your stripes and ribbons
Now he’s sitting in his hole
He might as well have buttons and bows
Chorus
(What could he do? Should have been a rock star)
But he didn’t have the money for a guitar
(What could he do? Should have been a politician)
But he never had a proper education
(What could he do? Should have been a father)
But he never even made it to his twenties
What a waste, army dreamers
Oh, what a waste of army dreamers
Oh, what a waste of all them army dreamers
Army dreamers, army dreamers
Outro
B.F.P.O
Army dreamers
Mammy’s hero
B.F.P.O
Army dreamers
Mammy’s hero
B.F.P.O
No hard heroes
Mammy’s hero
B.F.P.O
Army dreamers
Mammy’s hero
B.F.P.O
No hard heroes
