Meaning of 'Child of the Universe'

by Barclay James Harvest

Interpretation

The lyrics of the song "Child of the Universe" by Barclay James Harvest are about the identity and experiences of a child growing up in different conflict situations around the world. The song emphasizes that the child has no control over their origin or the situations they were born into.

The lyrics mention various places, such as South Africa, Vietnam, and Northern Ireland, all of which represent political conflicts and violence. The child feels powerless and innocent, as they had no choice in where they were born and in which wars they are involved. They are a young boy with blood on their hands, but not of their own will.

The chorus "Yes, I'm a child of the universe" emphasizes that the child is part of something bigger and that there are children like them growing up in difficult situations all over the world. It is also noted that the child is often seen on television participating in the struggles of others. This is symbolic of how children are often victims in conflicts and used as instruments for the purposes of others.

The lyrics also express the futility of war and that the child did not ask to be born or to die. They are described as an "endless dream" and a "genetic machine" that cannot understand why all this suffering happens.

Overall, the lyrics of the song "Child of the Universe" convey the message that children are innocent victims of conflicts and that it is important to care for them and fight for a better world.