I believe this song is literally about wars, probably wars of the West in the (Middle)East.
It is very vague (like all songs of the Knife) and it tries not to pick any sides. Yet it is still loaded with sadness and also absurdity.
It's worth noticing how many times the word "we" is used.. By defining what "we" are, it is possible, by contrasting, to define what "they" are.
There are a lot of references to christianity connected to "we", eg. "we turn the other cheek". By contrasting that, "they" must be something else, eg. muslims. That's why it could be about war in the Middle East.
The verses "we turn the other cheek and we win" and "we turn the other cheek with a grin" are loaded with much absurdity and paradoxy. I believe it is a reference to the absurd political arguments the West uses to go to war. We don't go to war actually, we go to save the world - i.e. "we turn the other cheek and we win..."
That's what I get of this song, not saying that other people will agree. It's definitely one of my favourites from the "silent shout" album. It's unbearable beautiful.
I believe this song is literally about wars, probably wars of the West in the (Middle)East.
It is very vague (like all songs of the Knife) and it tries not to pick any sides. Yet it is still loaded with sadness and also absurdity.
It's worth noticing how many times the word "we" is used.. By defining what "we" are, it is possible, by contrasting, to define what "they" are.
There are a lot of references to christianity connected to "we", eg. "we turn the other cheek". By contrasting that, "they" must be something else, eg. muslims. That's why it could be about war in the Middle East.
The verses "we turn the other cheek and we win" and "we turn the other cheek with a grin" are loaded with much absurdity and paradoxy. I believe it is a reference to the absurd political arguments the West uses to go to war. We don't go to war actually, we go to save the world - i.e. "we turn the other cheek and we win..."
That's what I get of this song, not saying that other people will agree. It's definitely one of my favourites from the "silent shout" album. It's unbearable beautiful.