Tré Burt is a singer-songwriter based in Sacramento, California. His songs are comparable to Bob Dylan, and John Prine. “Undead God of War” is the third track on his album Caught It From the Rye.
Burt says that he wrote the song in 2016 the night that trump won the nomination. Overcome with emotion he went to his apartment that he calls, the dungeon, and began to write.
“Undead God of War” is an impressionist landscape of poetry from that tumultuous period. Rooted in metaphor and imagery, the song is clear in its intention.
Let’s take a look at the lyrics:
Dreadfully, I watch through eyes too young for me
Undead God of War, lyrics by Tré Burt
The undead God of war, he lies in recovery
Up in the clouds, the eagle flies so mournfully
From its claws, the head of a boar spills blood on Main Street
And from below, I thought it was snow
Cos everyone was frozen
I don’t sleep well anymore
On nightmares I’ve been chokin’
Conditionally, I spend time in society
Yes, not unless I’m sure my freedoms follow me
Cos some of my friends, troubles hound them constantly
The judiciary branch falls off the money tree
And Mother Nature, I guess she caters
To those with white skin
I don’t feel well anymore
To darkness I’m returnin’
Peace disrupted, racism refueled, politics dictated by corporate interests. The symbol of American freedom, the eagle, looks down upon the country despairing as blood is spilled on the streets.
The last few weeks in the United States has marred the realities of “colorblind” individuals everywhere. Although the song was written in 2016, it’s just as relevant today as it was the day it was written. The day the country lost hope.
Battered and bruised for four straight years of policy disasters. A political nightmare and decades of progress overturned by one simpleton with too big of an ego and too strong a grip on corporate bribes. The good people have suffered. After months of regression, a global pandemic, and centuries of systemic racism and abuse, the country is finally taking a firm stand. Enough is enough.
“Undead God of War” was way ahead of it’s time. I hope you listen to it and love it as much as I do.
Follow Tré Burt on his Website, Instagram, and Facebook. Also, support his music by following him on Bandcamp.
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Black Lives Matter.
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