Two Soldiers
David Byrne · Other Songs - David Byrne
Her voice was low with pain
I'll do your bidding comrade mine
If I ride back again
But if you ride back and I am dead
You'll do as much for me
Mother, you know, must hear the news
So write her tenderly
She's awaiting at home like a patient saint
Her fallen face paled with woe
Her heart would be broken when I am gone
I'll see her soon, I know
Just then the order came to charge
For an instant hand touched hand
They said, aye and away they rode
That brave and devoted band
Straight was the course to the top of the hill
And the rebels they shot and shelled
Plowed furrows of death through the toiling ranks
And guarded them as they fell
There soon was a horrible dying yell
From heights that they could not gain
And those who doom and death had spared
Rode slowly back again
But among the dead that were left on the hill
Was the girl with the curly hair
The tall dark man who'd fought by her side
Lay dead beside her there
There was was no one to write the green-eyed girl
The words that her lover had said
While mother at home is awaiting her girl
She'll only know she is dead
She'll only know she's dead
She'll only know she's dead
Two Soldiers
David Byrne's 'Two Soldiers' stands as a compelling song in his expansive post-punk and art-rock catalogue. The track reflects the artist's signature ability to blend rhythmic complexity with introspective lyrical themes, often exploring human connection and societal observation. While the song appears in collections of his broader work, it captures the experimental spirit that defined Byrne's solo career following his tenure with Talking Heads. The recording showcases his distinctive vocal delivery and minimalist production style, emphasizing texture and atmosphere over conventional pop structures. As part of his diverse discography, the piece invites listeners to engage with the nuanced storytelling and musical innovation that have characterized Byrne's contributions to modern music.