Resist and Bite

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of a desperate last stand. The narrator and their company, "mere forty rifles strong," find themselves "all alone" as war "is coming swiftly" and the "border's closing in." The overwhelming force of the "Blitzkrieg" and "Rommel is at hand" creates a sense of being completely outmatched, with "no odds are on our side" and a grim acknowledgment of being "doomed to flag or fail." The central tension lies in the defiant spirit that emerges from this dire situation. Despite facing overwhelming odds and being "outgunned and few in numbers," the command is to "hold your ground!" This isn't a fight for victory, but a fight for the principle of resistance itself, encapsulated in the repeated, fierce declaration: "We, we will resist and bite!" The lyrics suggest a commitment to fighting until the very last "bullets are gone," embodying a refusal to yield even in the face of certain defeat. The most striking element is the defiant attitude even when captured. The narrator states, "when captured by the Axis and forced to tell the truth, we will tell them with a smile." This isn't about revealing secrets; it's about maintaining an unbroken spirit. The promise to "surprise them with a laugh" and the Latin phrases "Adversor et admorsus" (adversary and bitten) alongside "the Boar against the Eagle" (a likely reference to German forces) highlight a refusal to be cowed, turning even captivity into an act of defiance. What makes these lyrics so effective is their raw portrayal of courage born from desperation. The simple, declarative statements and the driving rhythm of the chorus create an anthem for the outnumbered. The contrast between the overwhelming enemy and the small, determined group, coupled with the unwavering resolve to "resist and bite," transforms a narrative of impending doom into one of indomitable will. It’s about the fight itself, not the outcome.