When the War Came
When the War Came

The Decemberists - When the War Came Lyrics

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Oct 3, 2006
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When the War Came Music Video

When the War Came Lyrics

With all the grain of Babylon
To cultivate, to make us strong
And hidden here behind the walls
Are shoulders wide and timber on
'Til the war came
'Til the war came

A terrible autonomy
Has grafted onto you and me
Our trust put in the government
They told their lies as heaven-sent
'Til the war came
'Til the war came

And the war came with a curse and a caterwaul
And the war came with all the poise of a cannonball
And they're picking out our eyes by coal and candlelight
When the war came, the war came hard

We made our oath to Vavilov
We'd not betray the solanum
The acres of asteraceae
To our own pangs of starvation
When the war came
When the war came

And the war came with a curse and a caterwaul
And the war came with all the poise of a cannonball
And they're picking out our eyes by coal and candlelight
When the war came, the war came hard

With all the grain of Babylon
With all the grain of Babylon (with all the grain of Babylon)
With all the grain of Babylon (with all the grain of Babylon)
With all the grain of Babylon (with all the grain of Babylon)
With all the grain of Babylon (with all the grain of Babylon)
With all the grain of Babylon (with all the grain of Babylon)
With all the grain of Babylon (with all the grain of Babylon)
With all the grain of Babylon

Writer(s): Colin Meloy
Copyright(s): Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who wrote 'When The War Came' by The Decemberists?

    The song 'When The War Came' was written by Colin Meloy, who is the lead singer and guitarist of The Decemberists.

  2. What historical event inspired 'When The War Came'?

    'When The War Came' is inspired by the Siege of Leningrad during World War II, one of the deadliest sieges in military history. The German army surrounded Leningrad, aiming to starve the city into submission, resulting in an extreme humanitarian crisis.

  3. How does the song 'When The War Came' relate to The Crane Wife album?

    The song 'When The War Came' is part of The Decemberists' album 'The Crane Wife.' The album features two song cycles, one of which is inspired by Japanese folklore, while parts like 'When The War Came' draw from historical events like the Siege of Leningrad.

  4. What themes are explored in the lyrics of 'When The War Came'?

    The lyrics of 'When The War Came' explore themes of trust and betrayal, the impact of war on society, and the struggle for survival. It depicts the desperate circumstances faced by the people of Leningrad and their resilience amid dire conditions.

  5. What is the significance of Nikolai Vavilov in the song?

    Nikolai Vavilov, a Russian botanist who died in a Soviet prison camp, is referenced in the song to highlight the resolve to protect vital seed collections despite the threat of starvation, symbolizing endurance and sacrifice during the Siege of Leningrad.

  6. What is the connection between 'When The War Came' and literature?

    Colin Meloy mentioned that Elise Blackwell's book 'Hunger,' which discusses the siege of Leningrad and the botanists who protected their collections, inspired the song's narrative. The literary influence enriches the historical perspective conveyed in the lyrics.

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