Ari Hest：Meaning of When And If Songmeaning

The song "When And If" by Ari Hest tells a story of a person who is torn between their commitment to a loved one and their duty to fight in a war. In the lyrics, the narrator writes a letter to their loved one, assuring them that they are fine and expressing their desire to come back and make up for lost time. The narrator promises to give their loved one the same life they had before once they return. However, doubts start to creep in as the narrator questions the purpose and truthfulness of the war they are fighting. They question whether the cause they are fighting for is genuine or if they are being deceived. Despite this, the narrator is still willing to risk their life and fight but doesn't know if they will live to see the day they can return. The narrator is struggling mentally, feeling their mind slipping away due to the harsh realities of war. Every day they wake up to this conflict, they load their gun without knowing the true purpose behind it. The letter concludes with the narrator admitting that they may never see their loved one again, but they are willing to die trying. This represents the internal struggle between love and duty that the narrator faces throughout the song. Overall, "When And If" explores themes of love, sacrifice, and navigating personal desires amidst a chaotic and uncertain war.