Army Dreamers Lyrics – Kate Bush

English 166 September 22, 1980
"Army Dreamers" by Kate Bush is a powerful and emotional song that conveys the tragedy of young soldiers whose lives are cut short by war, leaving behind unfulfilled dreams and potential. It reflects on the personal and societal costs of conflict and the impact on the families left behind. The song encourages listeners to contemplate the senselessness of war and the loss of young lives. ...Read More

Army Dreamers Song Lyrics

[Intro: Kate Bush]
(B.F.P.O)
(Army dreamers)
(Mammy's hero)
(B.F.P.O)
(Mammy's hero)

[Verse 1: Kate Bush]
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: Kate Bush]
(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: Kate Bush]
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: Kate Bush]
(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: Kate Bush]
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

Submitted by  Rollteam

Last Update: November 7, 2023




Army Dreamers Lyrics Explained

"Army Dreamers" by Kate Bush is a powerful and emotional song that conveys the tragedy of young soldiers whose lives are cut short by war, leaving behind unfulfilled dreams and potential. It reflects on the personal and societal costs of conflict and the impact on the families left behind. The song encourages listeners to contemplate the senselessness of war and the loss of young lives.

[Verse 1]
The song begins by introducing a young soldier who is returning home from the British Forces Post Office (B.F.P.O). He is described as "our little army boy." The lyrics mention purple flowers, which are typically associated with mourning, suggesting that the soldier has lost his life in the war. The weather is described as warmer, while the soldier is colder, emphasizing the contrast between the living and the dead. The mention of "four men in uniform" implies that the soldier's body is being carried back to his family.

[Chorus]
The chorus delves into the alternate paths this young man might have taken if not for his circumstances. It touches on the unfulfilled dreams and potential that his life could have embodied. The lines "Should have been a rock star" and "Should have been a politician" illustrate the unrealized aspirations due to limitations, be it financial, educational, or circumstantial. The repetition of "What a waste, army dreamers" emphasizes the loss of potential and life cut short by the pursuit of military service.

[Verse 2]
This section further explores the tragedy of the soldier's fate. The reference to "Tears over a tin box" suggests the grief of the family upon receiving news of his death, emphasizing the unexpected and brutal nature of war. The comparison of the soldier to a "chicken with a fox" highlights the imbalance of power and the inability to overcome the overwhelming forces of conflict. The mention of stripes, ribbons, and "buttons and bows" paints a picture of empty symbolism that offers no comfort in the face of his loss.

[Chorus]
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the central theme of the song: the waste of young lives who could have achieved more had they not been sent to war. The song continues to question what these soldiers could have become and laments the loss of their potential.

[Outro]
The outro echoes the opening, emphasizing the cycle of young soldiers being sent off to war. The repetition of "B.F.P.O" (British Forces Post Office) and "Mammy's hero" accentuates the repetitive nature of sending young heroes to war, often with tragic consequences. The phrase "No hard heroes" seems to question the glorification of war heroes, pointing out the inherent vulnerability and human cost behind such titles.

In summary, "Army Dreamers" is a powerful commentary on the tragedy of war, the loss of young lives, and the unfulfilled potential of those who become soldiers, often due to societal limitations or the lack of other opportunities. It's a poignant reflection on the sacrifices made and the profound impact on families and society as a whole.

This is the end of "Army Dreamers Song Lyrics" by Kate Bush. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.

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FAQs & Knowledge

Who is the singer of "Army Dreamers" song?

"Army Dreamers" song is sung by Kate Bush.

Who is the lyrics writer of "Army Dreamers" song?

"Army Dreamers" song lyrics written by Kate Bush.

Who is the music producer of "Army Dreamers" song?

"Army Dreamers" song music composed & produced by Jon Kelly & Kate Bush.

When was "Army Dreamers" song released?

"Army Dreamers" song was released on September 22, 1980.