The song "Battle of Angels" by John Mellencamp is a poetic reflection on the struggles and conflicts that exist within relationships and within ourselves. It portrays a world where people are fighting against each other, both externally and internally. The lyrics describe a street that represents home and community, where the battles between angels (symbolizing individuals) take place. The way people treat each other on this street is destructive, leading to a sense of isolation and loneliness. The line "we'll walk down that street alone" suggests that despite being surrounded by others, we ultimately face our battles by ourselves. The song suggests that in our relationships, we often oscillate between love and detachment, represented by the reference to taking lovers and strangers. Our words have lost their value and only bring harm to our world, indicating a lack of trust and sincerity. The lyrics also touch upon the shadows that fill our lives, as we constantly seek to satisfy our desires while sacrificing our true selves. We become consumed by our own hungers, leading to the destruction of our souls. The image of barbwire represents the barriers we create between ourselves and others, and how we deceive ourselves by pretending that these barriers are protecting us. The mention of hidden pistoleros (gunfighters) suggests that we try to escape from the conflicts and challenges of life, avoiding the real issues instead of confronting and resolving them. Overall, "Battle of Angels" is a contemplative song that explores the theme of internal and external conflicts within relationships. It highlights the importance of honesty, trust, and self-reflection in order to overcome these battles and find true connection with others.
