Lyric discussion by MMACHfive 

Cover art for One Tin Soldier lyrics by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes

Perhaps the soldier is a reference to Hans Christian Andersen's "The Steadfast Tin Soldier."

An Oxford analysis of the tale states: "The tin soldier's passive acceptance of whatever happens to him, while exemplifying pietistic ideals of self-denial, also contributes to his doom. Were he to speak and act, the soldier might gain both life and love. Restrained, however, by inhibition and convention, he finds only tragedy and death."

Some food for thought.