John Nolan's song "War is Peace" is a commentary on the state of society and the manipulation of truth by those in power. The lyrics depict the idea that war, slavery, and ignorance are being perceived as positive and acceptable, and are even celebrated, while their true negative consequences are ignored. The opening lines suggest that violence is often used as a solution to problems, with bombs being dropped instead of seeking peaceful resolutions. The reference to the TV screen signifies how people use media as a barrier to distance themselves from the harsh realities of war and violence. It suggests that people find comfort in distorted perceptions of others' lives, viewing them as less important than their own. The chorus repeats the phrases "war is peace, slavery is freedom, and ignorance is strength." These lines are derived from George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984," where the government manipulates language and meaning to control and deceive its citizens. By echoing these phrases, Nolan highlights the absurdity of accepting such contradictory ideas. The second verse introduces the notion of government control and corruption, portraying them as gangs with fangs. The protagonist realizes that the promise of assistance from those in authority comes at a cost, emphasizing the corruption within the system. The protagonist holds back their laughter and words, symbolizing the suppression of their opinion and the fear of challenging authority. The song then expresses the frustration of feeling misunderstood when trying to communicate with others. The protagonist feels like they are speaking a different language, unable to fully convey their thoughts and feelings. This sense of confusion and uncertainty is reinforced through a dream sequence where the protagonist questions their own existence and feels trapped between life and death, conscious yet terrified. Overall, "War is Peace" portrays a society where truth is distorted, violence is justified, and those in power manipulate the masses. It comments on the dangers of accepting contradictory ideas and the importance of questioning and challenging authority.
