I think, literally, it's about a soldier at war realizing there's nobody at home waiting for him, or who would be devastated if he never made it back.
Metaphorically it could be like ChristianBrother said, someone contemplating his own death. In my opinion though, he wants to die. He has nothing to lose and no one to leave hurting. So, if there's no heaven or hell, and no love or family to hold onto, why hold on any longer?
"When they shake, say the wings won't break."
I suppose this line could hold up the idea that he doesn't want to die. So I don't really know what his intentions are, I guess. It could also serve to be a prayer/mantra for him, to give him strength in carrying out his service (if you're into the soldier interpretation), or his life. Again, it could be a mantra in which to carry out suicide...like, to quell his fear of death, hoping to end up somewhere safe.
I think, literally, it's about a soldier at war realizing there's nobody at home waiting for him, or who would be devastated if he never made it back.
Metaphorically it could be like ChristianBrother said, someone contemplating his own death. In my opinion though, he wants to die. He has nothing to lose and no one to leave hurting. So, if there's no heaven or hell, and no love or family to hold onto, why hold on any longer?
"When they shake, say the wings won't break."
I suppose this line could hold up the idea that he doesn't want to die. So I don't really know what his intentions are, I guess. It could also serve to be a prayer/mantra for him, to give him strength in carrying out his service (if you're into the soldier interpretation), or his life. Again, it could be a mantra in which to carry out suicide...like, to quell his fear of death, hoping to end up somewhere safe.