Lyric discussion by WolfeTone 

Cover art for Arms Aloft lyrics by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros

I Can't just leave this song uncommented even if I only have a basic grasp of what it means.

I think it's about someone considering suicide and his mate pulling him out, reminding him of a time when they held thier hands high (Arms aloft.) I think it is about not letting your friends take the easy way out. I think it is about us having a lot to live for.

RIPunk Joe Strummer

As far as I know it is about a band getting tired of touring and drudgery of road and considering quitting before finally remembering the thrill of playing live - looking out at the crowd and seeing all those "arms aloft". Could be wrong, but that is how I understood it.