I have a different take on this. I've always thought it was a made-up point-of-view of a guy in a war-torn place (fitting with the theme of the album), whose lover won't see things as they are. Hence the repeated "do you hear".
He sees desolation all around him, and wants to make the most of whatever time he's given until another bomb strikes. ("Shut the window, love. Keep the world outside. I don't wanna think about anyone.")
But his partner doesn't realize the end is nearer and nearer ("footsteps are getting louder"), and it's killing him.
I have a different take on this. I've always thought it was a made-up point-of-view of a guy in a war-torn place (fitting with the theme of the album), whose lover won't see things as they are. Hence the repeated "do you hear".
He sees desolation all around him, and wants to make the most of whatever time he's given until another bomb strikes. ("Shut the window, love. Keep the world outside. I don't wanna think about anyone.")
But his partner doesn't realize the end is nearer and nearer ("footsteps are getting louder"), and it's killing him.