According to the band's lead vocalist, Dave Portner, the song was inspired by the band's fascination with the history of World War I and the Battle of Verdun. Portner has stated that the band was drawn to the battle's brutal and futile nature, which they saw as a reflection of the chaos and destruction of modern society. The band's guitarist, Pete Swanson, has also cited the influence of anti-war literature and art on the song, including the works of Wilfred Owen and Otto Dix.
According to the band's lead vocalist, Dave Portner, the song was inspired by the band's fascination with the history of World War I and the Battle of Verdun. Portner has stated that the band was drawn to the battle's brutal and futile nature, which they saw as a reflection of the chaos and destruction of modern society. The band's guitarist, Pete Swanson, has also cited the influence of anti-war literature and art on the song, including the works of Wilfred Owen and Otto Dix.