Lyric discussion by shelly247 

Cover art for Jonathan Low lyrics by Vampire Weekend

Maybe it's about a betrayal of some kind? The person could have betrayed or "killed" a best friend and this person was identified and labeled with the betrayal from a group of people?

For all that I know, he died Killer of Jonathan Low

Words were cried at night In unforgiving tones

And I do agree with the war interpetation, but I feel that the above could have some intergration of meaning?

They all turned their backs But they all knew his name And if he could return They'd probably do the same

My Interpretation