The song "Iron Dragon" by Electric Six tells a story of a narrator who is reflecting on a past war or conflict. The lyrics depict a sense of time passing and the consequences of choices made during the war. The opening lines suggest that it took the narrator ten years to reach a certain point or goal, and then twenty more years to return from the war. The phrase "to your war" suggests that the conflict was initiated or led by someone else. The next lines mention firing up a flair, which could symbolize the narrator's attempt to grab attention or make a statement. However, the other party instructs their battalions to ignore it, possibly indicating a disregard for the narrator's actions. The lyrics describe the situation as a game of chicken, where both sides are testing each other's resolve and waiting to see who will back down first. Despite feeling sick and miserable, the narrator remains strong in the face of their opponent's attempts to harm them. From a distance, the narrator observes their opponent in a courtyard, appearing frenzied and intoxicated. The nights bring them too much time to think, possibly alluding to the psychological toll of war or the longing for peace. The lyrics then mention hitching a horse to a rusty wagon. This could symbolize the narrator aligning themselves with a weak or broken cause, while their opponent is compared to an "Iron Dragon," a force that is stronger and relentless. The narrator hopes the opponent will stay until the end of the wars, suggesting a desire for a resolution or reconciliation. The narrator expresses a wish to find a star to make a significant wish. They believe this wish will elevate them to a position where they become the center of attention, possibly indicating a desire for recognition or validation. The lyrics then reference a magician who advises the narrator to turn humor into foolishness. This could suggest that the narrator has to manipulate or sacrifice their own beliefs or principles to navigate the war effectively. Observing their opponent fortifying for a cold December implies the ongoing preparations for the conflict, even in harsh conditions. The narrator realizes that their opponent might not remember the past or understand the consequences of their actions. The lyrics shift to the narrator's thoughts about how their story will be recorded. They wonder if their actions will be glorified as a significant event or if they will be seen as someone who had a tough experience. The narrator expresses hope that whoever finds their message will read it until the end. They anticipate a reunion with an old friend, suggesting a longing for reconciliation or peace. The chorus repeats the idea of hitching a horse to a rusty wagon, juxtaposing it with the idea of hitching a wagon to a dead horse. This could symbolize the narrator's loyalty and determination despite aligning with a lost or flawed cause. The repeated plea for the Iron Dragon to stay until the end of the wars indicates a desire for resolution or an end to suffering. The song concludes with the plea to "save the world" and the declaration that the narrator is the new Michael Jackson, possibly suggesting a desire to make a significant impact or change in the world. Overall, "Iron Dragon" explores themes of war, loyalty, longing, and the consequences of choices made during conflicts.
