Story Behind The Song

This song refected the way we thought of war as young men in the eighties. When ronald Reagan became president and started the Selective Service registrations up again we thought we would all be drafted to go fight someone we did not even know just to gain oil or for bragging rights. Neal wrote most of this to reflect on that percieved mentality of the country at the time. We were pretty peaceful guys and we did not see any other way to explain that peace without sounding like we just did not want to serve our country. We did not feel that way, but we did not see any point to gearing up for war either. The idea was to gear up for peace by teaching our children, and the children of the world, that there was another way besides killing each other. It is amazing to me to se how timeless a tune like this is since it has applied to many situations since that time. Not to say all war is without cause, but let's not fight for stupid reasons.

Song Description

This has a folk-y feel to it but it quickly develops a rock edge with a twist of reggae in the chorus. In the end it becomes a vocal battle of ideologies, as it borrows a line from the United States Marine Corp's Anthem to add a sort of testosterone driven counterpuctual feel. The voice of one crying for peace drowning in a sea of voices of those who seek war. Ultimately, which message will be heard? That my friend is up to you the listener. Enjoy!