Exodus's song "War Is My Shepherd" presents a provocative and controversial perspective on war and religion. The lyrics suggest that while some individuals find solace and guidance in their faith, the speaker finds their true sense of purpose and protection in the destructive power of weaponry and warfare. The song's opening lines, "You put your faith in Christianity, I put mine in artillery," juxtapose the traditional religious belief system with a reliance on the power of weapons, specifically the M-16 rifle. The speaker boldly declares that their "lord and savior" is the weapon itself, highlighting a stark departure from conventional religious worship. Additionally, the phrase "Christ never done me a motherfucking favor" suggests bitterness or disappointment with the Christian faith. The chorus portrays a sense of empathy and recognition for the victims of war, noting that some suffer in pain and die in vain. Despite the scars of battle, the song implies that the march towards war continues, presented as an almost unstoppable force. The next verse suggests a lack of comprehension and understanding as a reason for hatred and violence. Instead of attempting to understand what one fears or dislikes, the speaker suggests killing it. This dismissive and aggressive attitude further emphasizes the song's themes. The line "Pray to god and your fate is sealed, As you die alone in the killing fields" conveys a cynicism towards religious faith. It implies that relying on prayer and faith alone may not provide tangible protection or salvation in the face of violence and death. The lyrics also make reference to two individuals, Graham and Farahkahn, who are associated with religious leadership. However, the song dismisses their spiritual guidance as ineffective, expressing the speaker's preference for napalm (a highly flammable weapon) over their teachings. Throughout the song, the speaker's perspective and priorities are firmly aligned with war and the destructiveness it entails. The phrase "war is my shepherd" is repeated, solidifying the central theme that war, as opposed to religious devotion, guides and defines the speaker's life. It is essential to note that these lyrics are controversial and intentionally provocative. The song aims to challenge traditional beliefs and provoke thought about the complex and often dark relationship between war, faith, and personal identity.
