One Tin Soldier

Perhaps the soldier is a reference to Hans Christian Andersen's "The Steadfast Tin Soldier."

An Oxford analysis of the tale states: "The tin soldier's passive acceptance of whatever happens to him, while exemplifying pietistic ideals of self-denial, also contributes to his doom. Were he to speak and act, the soldier might gain both life and love. Restrained, however, by inhibition and convention, he finds only tragedy and death."

Some food for thought.

Ah, right, also a major part of this song is that it's an attack on using religion as an excuse to justify a war or bloody mindedness. "Do it in the name of heaven you can justify it in the end" is sarcastic.

Well, the soldiers who fight in wars definitely aren't "tin soldiers." They're brave or hateful of full of bloodlust but they aren't cold or heartless.

I think what the One Tin Soldier, signifies, Orph, is that there is no winning. He's on the victorious side, but he's hollow and he's gained nothing. So he just rides away and it comes off as being sad and broken.

Well tin soldier usually would signify a toy soldier. So sorta how an army would be disposable. So I don't know how to tie this into the song. Maybe after a meaningless battle just one side is left all alone perhaps?

I am not sure if it is right, but to me, "one tin soldier" always referred to someone like Saint Peter who is supposed to grant entrance through the pearly gates. When the song states "But on the bloody morning after, / one tin soldier rides away" it means you are denied access. Judgment day came for you, but you were passed over and left behind (hence, him riding off alone.)

I do agree with Orph's interpretation of the tin man to a point, but I do not think it is referring to the people in the valley having no hearts. The chorus, although it fits the story too, was more aimed at the "children" the song is being sang for. Telling them, that if you choose to sin and do wrong regardless of your reasoning, come judgment day, you will be left behind. In its own way, it is a very anti-war song since it is saying feel free to kill another person just because you are doing it for religious reasons, however, it is still a sin and you will still pay for it in the end.

The reason I said I agree with Orph is because I think he used the term "tin soldier" as a euphemism to a suit of armor with no real soul or heart attached (like Wizard of Oz). On Judgment day, you will be judged for your actions and because of this, there is no excuse in the world that will save you if you have committed too many sins. The man guarding the gate is not going to let you list your excuses, he is merely there to look at what all sins you have committed and pass judgment without you really having the option to defend yourself. It is basically all black and white with no real gray area because there is no emotion in the the actual judgment (no heart).

I love this song and love the message that people should be good and moral at all times, however, it is a bit preachy if you look too deeply into it.

This is a great song. Its about people being too greedy and other people just wanting peace for everyone.

Heh, i sang this song in music class in.... third grade.

Sang it in 7th grade...I love this song!

this song just kinda gives you chills about how fucked up we are as a race humans suck theres no humanity in the human race

yeah...excellent lyrics