War Stories
billie joe armstrong Lyrics


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Snow fall and we make our way to frontiers that we are sent
Dealing can be dangerous, danger till the end

Back against the wall, young men heed the call
Presidents take control, soon be going home

War stories, Sergeant Fury, war stories, Captain Hurricane
War stories, Johnny Red, war stories, this is it, this is it

Nightfall and the tanks roll by, I see them lie in vain
Scared that I'm prepared to die, I smile to hide my pain

Gonna save my soul, in the all-time low
Generals keep score, soon be going home

War stories, Sergeant Fury, war stories, Captain Hurricane
War stories, Johnny Red, war stories, this is it, this is it

This is they say, Liberation Holiday
Invasion Ally day, we're in sight of victory

Up against the wall, young men heed the call
Prisoners, oh oh, soon be going home

War stories, war stories
War stories, Johnny Red, war stories
War stories, Sergeant Fury, war stories, Captain Hurricane
War stories, Johnny Red, war stories, this is it, this is it





This is it, this is it
This is it

Overall Meaning

Billie Joe Armstrong's song War Stories explores the experience of soldiers fighting in a war. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation and stoicism among the soldiers. The opening lines refer to the soldiers' journey to the frontiers where they are supposed to be sent. The experiences of the soldiers are fraught with danger in the battlefield, and they continue to endure it till the end. They acknowledge the risk of death but are committed to their duties nevertheless.


The lyrics also refer to the role of leaders, particularly presidents and generals. The soldiers feel that victory is within sight, and they look forward to going home. The chorus of the song, consisting of a series of war stories, highlights the different personalities of the soldiers and their stories. Sergeant Fury, Captain Hurricane, and Johnny Red are the names of fictional characters who embody the experiences of soldiers fighting in wars.


The song's lyrics evoke a strong sense of pathos, and the soldiers' emotions are resolutely underplayed in the song. The lyrics also convey the futility of war and the sacrifice that soldiers make in fighting for their countries. Armstrong's use of intricate and robust guitar rhythms and powerful bass provides the perfect accompaniment for his poignant lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

Snow fall and we make our way to frontiers that we are sent
Amid the snow, we march towards the war front as ordered


Dealing can be dangerous, danger till the end
The act of war is risky, and danger can persist until the end


Back against the wall, young men heed the call
The young soldiers feel the pressure and obligation to fight


Presidents take control, soon be going home
The leaders send their soldiers to war, promising a quick return


War stories, Sergeant Fury, war stories, Captain Hurricane
Heard so many war stories, each with their own hero name like Sgt. Fury and Capt. Hurricane


Nightfall and the tanks roll by, I see them lie in vain
Amid darkness, tanks roll by, and soldiers lie defeated in vain


Scared that I'm prepared to die, I smile to hide my pain
Terrified of dying, I conceal my emotions with a smile


Gonna save my soul, in the all-time low
In the worst of times, I seek refuge in religion and aim to save my soul


Generals keep score, soon be going home
The commanders track their victories, and the soldiers anticipate returning home


This is they say, Liberation Holiday
The leaders declare a holiday commemorating the liberation of the land


Invasion Ally day, we're in sight of victory
As we near victory, we celebrate the day of the invasion and the support of our allies


Prisoners, oh oh, soon be going home
The captured soldiers await release and a return to their homeland


War stories, war stories
The tales of war are countless and ongoing


This is it, this is it
This is the reality of war




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Martin, Liam L'estrange, Terence Sharpe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Elizabeth Finch

Billie Joe Armstrong making Mondayโ€™s bearable AND enjoyable.

Fours4ker

Its tuesday here in our time

Elizabeth Finch

Fours4ker I said Monday because he calls each weekโ€™s release #NoFunMondays. Doesnโ€™t matter, itโ€™s something to look forward to every week.

Fours4ker

@Elizabeth Finch ok๐Ÿ˜

Vendela spork

Fours4ker dang she snapped 0_o

David Silva

@Vendela spork I always Thought I was the Only One who knew about this Song ........ A All - Time Classic .......... I even remember Buying it a Bloody Long Time Ago ..........

Punk Tar

Everyone: Monday's Are So Boring๐Ÿ˜ค

Billie: Hold THAT thought ๐ŸŽธ

Billie back at it again, making Monday's enjoyable with these covers๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Hypercube619

Been listening to this band since middle school. Years go by and I just graduated from college last December and you guys are still kicking ass. If anything gives me a reason to be proud of being a Californian from the Bay Area itโ€™s you guys! Cheers

Devin Wilsรธn

I've been listening since I was born!

Alfie Parsons

@Devin Wilsรธn ok boomer

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