Introduction
“Soldiers,” released in 1981 on ABBA’s introspective album “The Visitors,” is a stark departure from their usual upbeat pop anthems. The song, originally titled “Peasants,” delves into the human cost of war and the disconnect between those who fight and those who live sheltered lives.
Written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the song’s creation coincided with a period of growing international tensions. The Cold War loomed large, and anxieties about nuclear war were prevalent. This somber atmosphere is reflected in the song’s lyrics, which paint a picture of a world on the brink.
“Soldiers” opens with a sense of unease, questioning if signs of war are real or just a “fantasy.” The lyrics then shift to the perspective of those unaffected by conflict, contrasting the soldiers’ anthems with the silence of civilians. The powerful line, “Soldiers write the songs that soldiers sing / The songs that you and I don’t sing,” underscores the chasm between those directly facing war’s brutality and those shielded from it.
The song’s chorus, with its haunting melody and insistent rhythm, builds a sense of urgency. The repeated line, “Let’s not look the other way,” serves as a call to action, urging listeners to confront the realities of war and its potential to engulf everyone.
“Soldiers” stands as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict. It’s a song that challenges listeners to acknowledge the suffering caused by war and, perhaps, to advocate for peace.
This introduction provides a brief history of the song, its somber tone, and its message about war’s impact. It avoids speculation and focuses on established facts to set the stage for listening to “Soldiers.”