Because Demon Hunter is a Christian band, this song is most likely an allegory for the Christian life, which is often portrayed as a constant battle.
"5 years, my mother gave a voice for war"
His mother prayed that he would get saved and become a Christian.
"10, I was dead, born again with eyes for war"
He was regenerated/"born again" and is now a Christian in the spiritual war of good vs evil.
"By 15, hate was the name of my war"
Not entirely sure about this line, but it could be talking about a rebellious phase which most teens go through. I've heard the lead singer talk about his teen years in an interview, and he did go through such a phase.
The rest of the song is pretty straightforward. The river is most likely Truth or God's love. He acknowledges that war is painful, but he wants to fight for the truth.
Because Demon Hunter is a Christian band, this song is most likely an allegory for the Christian life, which is often portrayed as a constant battle.
"5 years, my mother gave a voice for war" His mother prayed that he would get saved and become a Christian. "10, I was dead, born again with eyes for war" He was regenerated/"born again" and is now a Christian in the spiritual war of good vs evil. "By 15, hate was the name of my war" Not entirely sure about this line, but it could be talking about a rebellious phase which most teens go through. I've heard the lead singer talk about his teen years in an interview, and he did go through such a phase.
The rest of the song is pretty straightforward. The river is most likely Truth or God's love. He acknowledges that war is painful, but he wants to fight for the truth.