"Where The Sun Had Been" by Mason Jennings appears to depict the experiences of a soldier deployed in a foreign land, possibly during a war. The protagonist is part of the Fourth infantry battalion, traveling in a caravan across the desert towards the enemy. The lyrics highlight the desolate setting, with the sun obscured by the wind and shapes moving on the hills. The soldier's thoughts drift to someone he loves, imagining them by a swimming pool, and wonders if he is still their man while fighting in this foreign land. The song takes a darker turn as the soldier recalls the sounds of death and being forced into the ground. He then awakens on a forest floor, surrounded by fellow soldiers. As he looks up, he realizes that the sun, a symbol of hope and normalcy, is no longer in the same place. The repetition of "Lookin' up at where the sun had been" suggests a sense of loss, confusion, and possibly the shattered illusions of the soldier's previous life. The story seems to explore the disorienting and traumatic experiences of war, questioning the soldier's identity and his connection to the person he loves.
