☝️ Key Points
- The song tells the story of a city celebrating the return of soldiers from a war.
- There is a mix of joy and sadness, as not all soldiers have returned.
- The lyrics express the desire for peace and change.
- It also portrays the initial euphoria and pride of the soldiers.
- The song encourages reflection on the reality of war and recognizing the desire for peace.
Interpretation
"Last Night" by
Chris De Burgh tells the story of a town that rejoices and celebrates because the boys are coming home from a war. People gather at the harbor to hear the mayor speak and celebrate the words of glory. The town is filled with music and dance, and everyone is filled with joy for the return of the soldiers. The mood is festive and full of hope.
But amidst all the festivities, there is also a moment of sadness. The singer observes a soldier and a woman in black who are looking at a photo and crying. This reminds him that not all the boys returned from the war. There are still those who were left behind and are now in mourning.
The lyrics express the high spirits of the town rejoicing over the return of the soldiers, but also the reality of war and those who couldn't come back. It shows that despite the jubilation, there is a new hunger for peace and change.
A central quote from the lyrics is: "They said we were heroes, they said we were fine, we were kings in command, we had God on our side". This shows the initial euphoria and pride of the soldiers. But the lyrics also show that something has changed: "But I can feel there's a new kind of hunger inside, to be satisfied, I saw it there last night". This suggests a growing longing for change and peace.
In "Last Night", the joy of the soldiers' return and the sadness for those who didn't come back are intertwined. The lyrics prompt reflection on the reality of war and the desire for peace and change.