Lyric discussion by TheYellowSign 

Cover art for Lightning Rod lyrics by Guster

I first encountered this in a Doctor Who fandom wallpaper that someone made as a tribute to the Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) and I will always associate the song with that character (who we learn came back from a war psychologically scarred.)

Pretty much agree with most of these interpretations. The war could be literal or metaphorical, but it is about standing up for your convictions and taking the damage that ensues.