Soldier of Fortune (Live, 2011) [2025 Remaster]

Song Meaning

The narrator paints a picture of a life spent drifting, always anticipating a future where he could settle down and share his love. He envisioned a specific moment of reciprocation, a plea to "lay with me and love me," which would solidify his decision to stay. This idealized future, however, remains just out of reach, a persistent dream. This longing clashes with a growing awareness of time passing. The songs he's sung, once vibrant expressions of his hopes, now feel distant and hollow, like the repetitive, almost mechanical "sound of a windmill going round." This imagery suggests a sense of futility and a cycle he can't escape, even as he desires connection. The core tension lies in the conflict between the desire for intimate connection and the ingrained identity of a "soldier of fortune." The lyrics suggest this identity isn't a choice but a fundamental aspect of his being, something he "will always be." The repetition of "soldier of fortune" in the chorus hammers home this inescapable fate, even as he yearns for something more grounded. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their poignant portrayal of a man caught between a deeply felt desire for belonging and the self-perception of a restless spirit. The contrast between the intimate fantasy and the abstract, echoing nature of his past experiences creates a powerful sense of melancholy and resignation.