Billboard explains: "emphasizing that although there seems to be so little one can do to prevent the machinations of soldiers and those who control them [...], we must 'not look the other way/taking a chance/cause if the bugler starts to play/we too must dance'".
[1] The UK's Daily Telegraph describes the premise of the song as "how warmongers convince themselves they are noble men".
[4] Billboard notes its "simple yet ominous metaphors that envision impending nuclear holocaust".
It goes on to explain: "the offbeat cadence of the drumming holds dark, somber verses and the sing-song quality of the chorus together", and concludes by saying "certainly very few groups can effectively handle a subject as serious as this, and still imbue it with all the qualities of a great pop song".
The synths "gently inflame the sense of yearning throughout, driving along a backing track which features ...bass courtesy of Rutger Gunnarsson".