John Denver's song "The Box" tells a story about a mysterious box that is discovered in the land of Hush-A-Bye. The box is labeled with a warning not to touch it, as it contains something dangerous - war. The people in the land are instructed not to open the box or interfere with it. The song highlights the innocence and goodness of children during the time of yore. They obeyed the instructions and never attempted to open the box or play with war. Similarly, the mothers, sisters, aunts, and grannies were also well-behaved and didn't tamper with the box. However, someone eventually breaks the chains and opens the box, letting out the devastating effects of war. The box spills out guns, flags, tears, horror, and death. War bounces around, causing destruction and pain, particularly affecting children. The song emphasizes that war doesn't discriminate and harms anyone in its path. Despite the wisdom gained over the years, the song suggests that there is a solution to stop the destructive nature of war. It calls for wisdom to be applied, urging people to put the "ball" back into the box, rebind the chains, and lock it up. However, the song expresses disappointment that no one seems to prioritize saving the children anymore. In essence, "The Box" serves as a commentary on the devastating consequences of war, especially how it victimizes innocent children. It advocates for finding a way to end war and protect future generations from its destructive effects.
