"Take The Men & The Horses Away" is a song by Steve Harley, and its lyrics depict the consequences and devastation of war. The song conveys a sense of loss, both in terms of human lives and the innocence of children. The opening lines, "Long burning sun, hard battle done, they're the blind who see, tell me, who leads the cavalry?" suggest the end of a fierce battle, where the victorious side may not necessarily have the clear moral high ground. It questions the authority and leadership responsible for the atrocities committed in war. The chorus, "Take the men and the horses away," repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the removal of both the soldiers and their powerful war machines from the context of war. This can be interpreted as a plea to end the violence and suffering by removing those who perpetuate it. The lines, "With the lads away, tell me, where do the children play?" reflect the impact of war on the innocent. The absence of the male figures, who have been called away to fight, leaves the children without guidance and protection. It highlights the harsh reality that war disrupts the normal lives of civilians, especially the younger generation. The following lines, "Cold distant land, blood in the sand, with the lads away, tell me, where do the children play?" again reinforce the theme of children affected by war. It speaks to the destruction of the environment and the presence of death in the aftermath of conflict. The repetition of the question further emphasizes the songwriter's concern for the well-being and future of these children. The lyrics also touch upon the idea that war is fueled by deception. The lines, "Sheet iron sky nights, shell blasted lights, desolation cries, tell me, who's got the lying eyes?" suggest that war is propagated through lies and manipulation. It questions the motives of those in power and highlights the suffering and devastation caused by their decisions. Overall, "Take The Men & The Horses Away" is a song that portrays the destructive and tragic consequences of war. It raises questions about the leadership responsible and the impact on both soldiers and innocent civilians, particularly the children.
