“Some not-so-famous last words, of the ones that didn’t make it back home. Beers and cheers to them, from the ones who did.”
“Last Requests” is a song about war – but a true dichotomy in the sense of the word, where it’s a pro-warrior, anti-war song.
This is a song about the bottom of the food chain of war – the soldiers, their intimate moments, and exchanges on the battlefield. The crux of the song is conveyed quite heartbreakingly – through the last words of the dying. It is a woeful ballad that will resonate with soldiers across the world, one of remembrance and respect, and a song that transcends flags, countries politics, and loyalties. A song for veterans and soldiers, anyone around the world who served, and hence, know its horrors.
What begins as slow piano rock with a solemn depth felt in every word, slowly develops into a powerful rock ballad. The track is characterised by its powerful percussion, Enya-esque female backing vocals, and ever-present, playful piano notes galloping beside the baritone vocals. The composition ends in a powerful and emphatic final act, with an explosive final chorus that follows suit with the characteristic Bad Knights style.
lyrics
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Grab my kit off the wire
Its dry now, good to go a year
Clear my bunk, send it all home
ain’t going back for a while.
Tell captain he did right
let chaplain know, he sucked this time
Don’t go looking for my lucky strikes
They'll find em out on the battlefield
On the battlefield, with me
And all these, last requests
incoming, coming in fast
Promises hard to keep
And now you’ve seen it all
sinnin and savin
heaven and hells
So here’s beers and cheers to you old friends
Tell my dad, I did well
Didn’t die out on a rock, for some hill
flags good freedom, you know the drill
tell him it was all worthwhile
Sell my shit, to the highest bidder
keep ol trusty knife for yourself
don’t you worry about my wedding ring
They’ll find it lying, on the battlefield
On the battle field with me
So won’t you stand for me
swing around and head for the trees
they say winners write history
he said, write this one for me
write this one for me
And all these, last requests
incoming, coming in fast
Promises hard to keep
And now you’ve seen it all
Sinning, saving,
heaven and hells,
So here’s beers and cheers to you old friends
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