"The Lebanon" is a song by the British synth-pop band, The Human League. Released in 1984, the song addresses the devastating consequences of the Lebanese Civil War, which began in 1975 and lasted for over 15 years. The lyrics depict the perspective of a young girl who reminisces about the peaceful times in her country before the soldiers arrived. Life was simple, food was abundant, and sharing was a common practice without shame. However, this idyllic past is shattered by the arrival of soldiers and the ensuing violence. The girl is awakened by the screams of rockets flying nearby, symbolizing the horrors of war. In fear of death, she clings onto her dreams as a coping mechanism. The lyrics suggest that she represents the innocent civilians who are caught in the middle of the conflict and suffer its consequences. The song also touches upon the experiences of a soldier stationed in the area. He realizes that instead of maintaining peace, he has been thrust into a warzone. He is shocked to find shops replaced by hiding places for snipers, signifying the destruction caused by the conflict. Overall, the song portrays the disillusionment and despair created by the Lebanese Civil War. The repeated question, "And who will have won when the soldiers have gone?" suggests that the conquests of war ultimately come at a significant cost, and the true winners are often unclear. The extended version of the song provides more space for the atmospheric music and evokes a sense of unease and tension. It intensifies the emotions and emphasizes the gravity of the situation described in the lyrics.
