Before I read the comments above, when I first heard this song I immediately thought it was about soldiers in WW1, especially deserters, being killed in action, or being beaten or shot for cowardice, when they were already suffering from malnutrition and trenchfoot. This coming from all the references to "living without clutter", "well oiled rifles" and not begging or defending themselves, simply because they didn't have the energy or firepower when facing battle, or because they are already pacifists "this is how I am". And of course the chorus character is written in serviceman terms "Marlon, J.D."
Reading the comments above adds another dimesion to it. The song is obviously about rebellion. Kind of like Richie saying "look at WW1, you're either going to die or end up a weak but comfortable old man while the world you fought for changes and you can't do anything about it" You might as well fight for what you believe in and risk death, even if that means not fighting at all and giving up. "So see Marlon Brando and don't end up like him, James Dean".
Before I read the comments above, when I first heard this song I immediately thought it was about soldiers in WW1, especially deserters, being killed in action, or being beaten or shot for cowardice, when they were already suffering from malnutrition and trenchfoot. This coming from all the references to "living without clutter", "well oiled rifles" and not begging or defending themselves, simply because they didn't have the energy or firepower when facing battle, or because they are already pacifists "this is how I am". And of course the chorus character is written in serviceman terms "Marlon, J.D."
Reading the comments above adds another dimesion to it. The song is obviously about rebellion. Kind of like Richie saying "look at WW1, you're either going to die or end up a weak but comfortable old man while the world you fought for changes and you can't do anything about it" You might as well fight for what you believe in and risk death, even if that means not fighting at all and giving up. "So see Marlon Brando and don't end up like him, James Dean".