Lyric discussion by joannajoy 

Cover art for Marlene On The Wall lyrics by Suzanne Vega

I think this is talking about a series of relationships "of every soldier passing" refers to the various people she has had relationships with. I think the current one from the first verse they have not formed a relationship yet, and he does not know why she is nervous. The third verse she is talking to the person who made her afraid.

I think Marlene Dietrich is giving her strength, the wise older woman, the one who tells her to stand up for herself and not be afraid to be alone sometimes. I heard her talk about that poster in an interview once.

I think she is changing her destiny from being a victim to being self confident.