The Meaning Behind The Song: Soldier Of Fortune by Deep Purple
Introduction
Deep Purple is an iconic rock band formed in 1968. The band has released numerous albums and hit songs, one of which is “Soldier of Fortune.” This song was released in 1974 and is considered one of the band’s greatest hits. The lyrics of the song are quite meaningful and have captured the hearts of many fans over the years. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of the song and explore its significance.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of the song “Soldier of Fortune” are simple, yet profound. The song begins with the line, “I have often told you stories about the way I lived the life of a drifter.” The lyrics talk about a man who has lived a life of wandering and has experienced both good and bad times. The chorus of the song is particularly memorable, with the lines, “I’m a soldier of fortune, I’m trained to fight to win. I’m a soldier of fortune, I’m trained to kill with skill.”
Interpretation of the Lyrics
Many people interpret the lyrics of “Soldier of Fortune” as being about a soldier who has been fighting in a war. The line “I’m trained to fight to win” suggests that the speaker has been through some kind of military training. The lyrics also suggest a sense of weariness and loss, perhaps a result of the horrors of war. The line “I have often told you stories about the way I lived the life of a drifter” suggests that the speaker has been on the move and has experienced many different things in his life.
Who Wrote the Song?
“Soldier of Fortune” was written by the members of Deep Purple, namely Ritchie Blackmore, David Coverdale, Ian Paice, Glenn Hughes, and Jon Lord. It was included in the band’s album, “Stormbringer,” which was released in 1974.
Reception and Legacy
“Soldier of Fortune” has become one of Deep Purple’s most popular songs. It has been covered by many other artists over the years, including Opeth, who recorded a version of the song that was included in their album, “Deliverance.” The song is often played on classic rock radio stations and is still beloved by fans of the band.
FAQs
What inspired Deep Purple to write “Soldier of Fortune?”
The band has not given any specific information on what inspired the song. However, it is thought that the song might have been written based on the experiences of soldiers who have been through military training and have fought in wars.
How did the public react to “Soldier of Fortune” when it was first released?
“Soldier of Fortune” was well-received by the public when it was first released. The song became one of Deep Purple’s most popular hits and has remained popular over the years.
What makes “Soldier of Fortune” such an enduring song?
“Soldier of Fortune” is an enduring song because of its meaningful lyrics and well-crafted melody. The song speaks to people on a deep level and resonates with those who have been through difficult times.
Has the meaning of “Soldier of Fortune” evolved over time?
The meaning of the song has not really evolved over time. It is still interpreted by many people as being about a soldier who has been through the horrors of war.
How influential has “Soldier of Fortune” been on the rock music industry?
“Soldier of Fortune” has been quite influential on the rock music industry. It has been covered by many other artists over the years and has inspired countless other songs that deal with similar themes.
Do the members of Deep Purple have any personal connection to the lyrics of “Soldier of Fortune?”
The members of Deep Purple have not given any specific information on whether or not they have a personal connection to the lyrics of “Soldier of Fortune.” However, given the fact that the band has been around for so long, it is likely that at least some of the members have had experiences that are similar to those described in the song.
What themes are present in “Soldier of Fortune?”
The themes present in “Soldier of Fortune” include war, loss, weariness, and the experiences of soldiers who have been through difficult times. The song also carries a sense of hope, as evidenced by the lines, “But I hope I’m on the road that’s paved with gold. And I hope I’m on the road that’s paved with peace.”
Has “Soldier of Fortune” been used in any movies or TV shows?
“Soldier of Fortune” has been used in several movies and TV shows over the years. It was featured in the movie, “The Expendables,” as well as the TV show “Miami Vice.”
What other songs by Deep Purple have similar themes to “Soldier of Fortune?”
Other songs by Deep Purple that have similar themes to “Soldier of Fortune” include “Child in Time,” “Perfect Strangers,” and “Burn.”
What other artists have covered “Soldier of Fortune?”
“Soldier of Fortune” has been covered by several other artists over the years, including Opeth, Whitesnake, and Black Majesty.
What has Deep Purple said about the meaning of “Soldier of Fortune?”
The members of Deep Purple have not said much about the meaning of “Soldier of Fortune.” However, David Coverdale, who was a member of the band when the song was released, has stated that the song is about a soldier who has been through some kind of difficult and life-changing experience.
Conclusion
“Soldier of Fortune” is a beautiful and meaningful song that has touched the hearts of many people over the years. Its themes of loss, weariness, and hope have made it a beloved classic in the rock music industry. Whether you’re an old fan of Deep Purple or just discovering “Soldier of Fortune” for the first time, the song is sure to leave a lasting impression.
