Army Dreamers - 2018 Remaster

The song dives deep into the heart of war and its impact on young lives. It shows how dreams can be cut short, leaving behind only grief. Kate Bush paints a vivid picture of a mother mourning her son who never got to live out his dreams. The repeated phrases emphasize the sense of loss and waste.

Verse 1

Our little army boy
Is coming home from B.F.P.O.
I've a bunch of purple flowers
To decorate to mammy's hero

This verse sets up the scene. The "little army boy" is returning home, but it’s not a happy homecoming. The flowers are meant to honor him, but they also signal mourning. It’s a mix of pride and sadness. The mention of "B.F.P.O." hints at a military context, grounding the song in a real and painful experience.

Chorus

What could he do?
Should have been a rock star
But he didn't have the money for a guitar
(What could he do?)
Should have been a politician
But he never had a proper education
(What could he do?)
Should have been a father
But he never even made it to his twenties

In the chorus, we see the lost potential of the soldier. The questions highlight dreams he could have pursued. Each suggestion, rock star, politician, father, shows how varied and rich his life could have been. But instead, he’s gone too soon. The repetition of "What could he do?" drives home the feeling of regret and lost opportunities.

Verse 2

Tears o'er a tin box
Oh, Jesus Christ, he wasn't to know
Like a chicken with a fox
He couldn't win the war with ego

This verse shifts to the raw emotion of grief. The "tin box" likely refers to a coffin, which is heart-wrenching. The line about not knowing adds a tragic layer; he didn’t understand the risks he faced. The chicken and fox metaphor illustrates vulnerability and danger, suggesting that the soldier was never equipped to face the harsh realities of war.

Chorus

Give the kid the pick of pips
And give him all your stripes and ribbons
Now he's sittin' in his hole
He might as well have buttons and bows

Here, the chorus emphasizes the futility of military honors. The "stripes and ribbons" symbolize achievement, but they mean little now. The phrase "sittin' in his hole" suggests a grave, turning the awards into hollow symbols. The contrast between military glory and the innocence of "buttons and bows" highlights the tragedy of lost childhood.

Bridge

(What could he do?)
(Should have been a rock star)
(What could he do?)
(Should have been a politician)
(What could he do?)
(Should have been a father)
(But he never even made it to his twenties)

The bridge repeats the earlier themes, reinforcing the sense of unfulfilled dreams. Each line feels like a lament. It’s a powerful reminder of what could have been. The repetition creates a haunting effect, making the listener reflect on the soldier's potential and the realities of war.

Outro

(B.F.P.O.)
Did-n-did-n-did-n-dum... (Army Dreamers)
Did-n-did-n-did-n-dum
(Mammy's hero)
(B. F. P. O.)
Army Dreamers
(Mammy's hero)
(B.F.P.O.)
No harm heroes
(Mammy's hero)
(B.F.P.O.)

The outro circles back to the military context. The playful sound of “did-n-did-n-did-n-dum” contrasts with the heavy themes. It feels almost ironic, as if the song is mocking the idea of glory in war. The repetition of "Army Dreamers" reminds us that these soldiers had hopes and dreams, underscoring the song’s central message.

Closing Thoughts

"Army Dreamers" is a poignant exploration of loss and the dreams that war steals away. Kate Bush's lyrics are both beautiful and heartbreaking, painting a vivid picture of grief and unfulfilled potential. The song invites us to reflect on the lives of young soldiers, reminding us that every one of them had a story that ended far too soon.