The song Operation Never Mind by James McMurtry is a commentary on the ongoing wars that the United States has been involved in since the end of the Vietnam War. It highlights the disconnect between the reality of war and the way it is portrayed to the public through media outlets. The lyrics describe the military operation going on and how it is being carried out by "country boys" who have been sent to fight. The song suggests that the public is not informed about what is really going on in the war, as no one sees it on TV, and therefore, no one cares. The song also touches on the corruption that exists within the military, with the mention of KBR men, who have been involved in scandals related to the Iraq War. The song criticizes the glorification of war and our soldiers, with the mention of how they are used to sell the show at halftime or the seventh inning stretch. The song implies that soldiers are dying for reasons that most people do not understand. Ultimately, the song is a call for greater transparency regarding the wars the United States has been involved in and for the public to be more engaged in understanding the true impacts of war.
