Song meaning of Anthem for Doomed Youth by Wilfred Owen

The lyrics of "Anthem for Doomed Youth" by Wilfred Owen convey a powerful message about the horrors and futility of war. The poet depicts a grim scene, where young soldiers are being slaughtered like cattle by the relentless gunfire. The opening line, "What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?" reflects the dehumanizing and impersonal nature of war. 

The poet emphasizes the absence of traditional rituals and compassion for the fallen soldiers. There are no funeral bells, prayers, or voices of mourning. Instead, the only sounds are the chilling choirs of wailing shells and the bugles calling from faraway lands, further emphasizing the distance and disconnect. This absence of mourning rituals highlights the indifference of war towards human life.

The phrase "Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes" suggests that the soldiers' youth and innocence have been taken away from them, and they carry the burden of the war in their gaze. This line reflects the harsh reality that young boys are forced to become soldiers and witness atrocities beyond their years.

The final lines touch upon the longing for peace and the loss of innocence. The pallor of girls' brows symbolizes the sadness and loss experienced by their loved ones. The soldiers' flowers are not physical but rather the tenderness and understanding of those who patiently wait for their return. The closing line, "And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds," emphasizes the gradual descent into darkness and death.

In summary, "Anthem for Doomed Youth" condemns the violence and senselessness of war, highlighting the dehumanization, absence of rituals, and ultimately the loss of innocence and hope. It calls for empathy and recognition of the sacrifices made by those who are doomed to die in war.