The song "The Flag" by Joseph Arthur tells the story of someone who has lost a loved one, possibly in the military, and is coping with the aftermath of their absence. The lyrics express the feeling of their presence still lingering, even though they are physically gone. The song begins by acknowledging that although the person is no longer present, their memory and impact still remain. The person's presence is seen in the eyes of Jimmy and the tears of Linda, which suggests that they have left a lasting impression on the lives of others. The next verse mentions a picture of the person hanging on the wall, serving as a constant reminder of their absence. The narrator thinks that the person would encourage them not to give up, indicating that they were a source of inspiration or encouragement in their life. The song then introduces the element of the army, suggesting that the person may have been in the military. The army comes to deliver their belongings, which are placed in the basement alongside a flag. The lyrics mention that they used to say "In God We Trust," but the narrator is uncertain about their faith or belief anymore, possibly due to the loss and the hardship they are facing. The chorus expresses the deep longing for the person's presence. The narrator admits that without them, they feel weak and have reached a breaking point. They don't desire anyone else's touch because they simply wish that the person was still near them. Overall, the song portrays the struggle and grief caused by losing a loved one, emphasizing the longing for their presence and the difficulty of finding strength in their absence.
