The meaning and story of James's song "Medieval" is open to interpretation, but it appears to be a commentary on war and how people can be manipulated into acts of violence. The lyrics describe a person who becomes separated from their comrades during a conflict. The person realizes that their supposed friends are actually enemies, as they wear different uniforms and have a different agenda. However, they are able to communicate and connect with the enemy by subtly changing their perspective ("shifting up one fret"). The song suggests that despite these differences, all soldiers have a shared experience of risking their lives. It is not their intention to serve by taking lives, but rather to preserve their own existence. However, the song also highlights the manipulation and dehumanization of soldiers. The commanders and leaders use psychological tactics to control and motivate them, depriving them of critical thinking ("Set them marching, stop them thinking"). The soldiers are stirred up with a sense of frantic rhythm to send them out to kill. The lyrics also speak of the soldier's return to their human form, metaphorically represented by the skin-tight uniform. They find themselves trapped and crucified upon the barbed wire, possibly representing the physical and emotional scars of war. Overall, "Medieval" explores themes of manipulation, the dehumanization of soldiers, and the consequences of war. It highlights the complex and contradictory nature of armed conflicts, where individuals can be both enemies and united by the shared experience of danger and sacrifice.
