#Veteran 

As a swedish army Veteran with 25 years of active service in various parts of this world, I can tell You that Sabaton is quite popular among our troops.. :-)

Norwegian here. I could stand by having this song as the national anthem, if you sweedes come in peace next time. :-P

Sabaton - one of few bands who can make you feel allegiance and kinship with other countries, their armed forces and the sacrifices they've made over millennia. It's beautiful. Full stop.

From a Swedish solider I am thankful for your service but also that you took the time to listen to SABATON🇸🇪🇸🇪 Länge leve Sverige!

This is what I hoped for when I was one of us that suggested it. As a veteran myself I had similar emotions. So, a little backstory to the song. It is about the 30 years war, basically a war between protestant and catholics. The Swedish king matched with his troops south true Poland and Germany. He was very victorious and took town after town. The king Gustav II Adolf (Gustavus Adolfi, also called The Lion from the north... which is a title of a Sabaton song also) has been called “the father of modern warfare” as his tactics was new and using that he could win over much slower enemies. Eventually he reached the town of Lützen and he met the holy emperors troops. They had to retreat and the swedish army marched into the town burning it down. Everyone was feeling victorious and more and more europeans started to fear and believe the swedish army would eventually reach Rome. But what they didn’t know what that during the battle something had happened. It was a very foggy day during the battle and the king couldn’t see and command his troop so he took his armour and his horse and joined the battle.. but there he got lost and ended up in the middle of the enemies and was killed. The swedish army turned back to Sweden and the was was over leaving a burning northern europe behind them. This is one reason sweden is actually mentioned in the polish anthem as a reminder of the evil times. As the war took 30 years the swedish soldiers, if they didn’t die in the battles, grew up an entire lifetime fighting in the war. And to be able to fight fir so long time almost every man had to join the army no matter if they were adults or not. This is the song of one of those young men.

Fun fact about this performance: When Sabaton has tours like The Great Tour and have shows in both Gothenburg and Stockholm they have a "sing along" competitions between the 2 towns with this song. I think that me and everyone else here in Gothenburg destroyed our voices right at this moment by screaming the song with all our power to win over Stockholm! XD It was an amazing moment to be a part of! Definetly one of my best memories in life! :D

Hello. A Swede here. About the "obligatory serving in the army". Yes. When I was young during the cold war all young men in High school got conscripted and reviewed. But not everyone were called upon to serve. Some were exempted as unfit. After the fall of Sovietunion our government thought that the danger was over and so more people got exempted which meant a lot less soldiers. Between 2009 and 2017 it was pretty much volontary and you had to apply. After 2017 conscription was reintroduced but for both men and women this time. For now only a small percentage of them are called to go through training each year.

Just a friendly reminder: dont trow people with a different opinion out of Windows. It may start 30 years of war.

No matter what country you are from, this is the song for everyone who has served their country. God bless you all! Greetings from Sweden🇸🇪

Proud of my hometown Gothenburg ❤ and I will die for Sweden ❤

Also, glad you liked it. Apart from that single line "for Sweden, he went abroad for war" the lyrics is pretty much the same for any soldier no matter where they come from. Swedish or American. I guess thats why it got you in the feels so to speak. The reason its called "a lifetime fo war" is that its really about the 30 years war between 1618 and 1648 where Sweden was on of the heavy players. A man could be born, grow up and called to serve and die on the battlefield in the span e of an ongoing war. The translated lyrics I would say is correct to about 98%. (the line "Because of the war, destroy a man" is flawed. "Because the war can destroy a man" would be a better translation.) There IS a english language version but the lyrics is different. Its more about the 30 years war itself and a "histroy lesson" while the Swedish lyrics are from the point of view from a soldier.

This song is about the 30-years war roughtly 1618-1648, several generations of soldiers who went to war during Sweden's years as a European super power. 400 years ago.

Finally a worthy reaction to this song! From someone who can put himself in the songs lyrics. And my point is, you should do this to every sabaton song. Imagine yourself in whatever story Sabaton tells and then (if you have not for some reason) understand their greatness! Thank you v3treacts for Your service!

That was a good one ... Emotional to see your reaction - Rock on and thank you for your services in unnamed countries 💪🏼

Sweden has sadly ran down their army, but now they are slowly bringit it back. (Joke< it is good so Sweden doesn't have to fight to the last Finnish man>), then we can fight to last man together! 🇫🇮🇸🇪 (If needed)

One of their best and that is saying a lot!!! As a veteran I choked up during this entire performance remembering fallen buddies gone after numerous firefights in the dark nights of Nam. Hoping their end was fast and as painless as possible. Who will mourn for me, a thought any veteran has during their service and hopefully one they never need an answer to. War destroys a man and anyone else caught up in it especially the innocent children left scarred for life and worse as orphans. This was about the 30 year war in Europe, one of the longest and bloodiest and yet sadly it applies to every war since and into the future. Even if you never served or fought in a war this song had to have moved you if there is any human soul in you at all!!!!

I feel the same way about this song. Next year I will apply for officer school in the army and I hope I can serve my country as my grandad did in ww2. Respect from Hungary!

Love your deep honest reaction and how it makes you feel. Im from Sweden and i showed this song for my uncle he was a UN soldier serving in Libanon at the time it was a total mess back in late 80's. He never spoke about his experience as a soldier before. But this song made him open up and tell me "there is nothing more evil and nothing more insanely beautiful than being in a war doing your duty for righteousness. Good or bad its never white or black its all grey and bloody" He told me about one mission were they were supposed to supply civilians with logistic convoy and was shelled constantly trhough a whole city....They literally could see the artillery spotters miles away in a tall building looking at them. If they even slowed down one bit they would get hit. Also sniperfire and rpg....Im just in awe for what that man went through.

It’s just such an emotional song indeed, make me so proud to have done my military service in Sweden, I even did it in the infantery regement called I13 which are located in Sabatons home town Falun. Great reaction, stay safe 🙏 Ps: please react to ”reign of terror” its about the war against Saddam Hussein

I just love this song. The new swedish anthum🙏❤ I cryed the first time my son played it for me. Love all Sabatons song and texts. /Love Anna from Sweden ❤

Finally, i love all your reactions, and i have been waiting for you yo do this song! Keep it up man!

Since you now entered the Carolus rex album: Killing ground 1648 Carolus rex Caroleans prayer

As a Russian Army lieughtenant (military translator at Vladivostok HQ and a desk jockey, so my spetsnaz friends call me a softie aristocrat) and a combat vet, this song fucking sent chills down my spine. "A husband, a friend", like damn, as you know what is happening right now, this is such a sad song for me personally, because I knew how much war can screw up a man's life with PTSD (stereotype of russian alcoholism was founded in modern times bc a lot of afghan war vets were untreated for severe ptsd they suffered so many drank themselves to death). I know that we are enemies now, but I will pray for y'all if the nukes fall (and it looked for me that they will by the autumn of 2023).

This is such a powerful and inspiring song. The camera perspective just adds so much to the experience of a brilliant composition. And a heartfelt and moving reaction.

love this song, go right into my heart ❤

THANK U FOR URE SERVICE.. love u and all of ure fellow m8s..hugs from sweden..and this song is the truth that needs to go out for everyone in the world.

This is the most genuine and true reaction ive ever seen. Lets have a beer next time im in the states!

Just have to say that I loved your reaction. God Bless you Sir!!

What a song. Such pride. Kudos brothers in arms

Respect to you and what you have done for your country and others!

Lovely reaction, thank you very much. Give me tears everytime hearing it

This one is very good... i cry every time 😭 great vid ❤

Best reactionvideo on this song i've seen so far.... Its a heavy song 🤘👊

To me this song is a cautionary tale of what happens if you go out and fight your kings or other rulers pointless wars. There is no heroism on the battlefield, only pointless death, and nobody will appreciate you for your sacrifice even if you go home as a broken man or dead. This song is written from a soldiers perspective of the 30 years war, but is it so different from the soldiers perspective of today. 18 year old kids is recruited by the US army and sent to countries they barley heard of. Once there there is only death and destruction, and if they come home they are merely rewarded with lip-service. Sweden has the draft, so I did my basic service and can be called upon if Sweden would find itself at war. But to send our drafted army out to fight an imperialistic war to benefit some vague corporate interest would be political suicide in Sweden. The draft army is basically only defensive to repel any aggressors from the homeland. Key part of it is that there is nobody who has the authority to declare surrender, so even if we would be conquered by a stronger force our standing orders will remain to resist whenever possible. Whether it will be now or decades into the occupation. Making it that difficult for our political leaders to send out Swedish soldiers on a invasion is probably one heavy reason why we have been at peace for about 200 years. We do send volunteers on peace keeping missions. Mostly UN lead, but that is not drafted soldiers, they are volunteer or salaried soldiers so they choose to do it in one way or another.

Loved your heartfelt reaction. Greetings from a proud Swedish follower.

I've listened to this song a countless number of times, and every single time I hear it I get chills. Also another good song to check is No Bullets Fly.

I just love your reaction,,I can't really understand what veterans like yourself is going through, war is nasty man. I'm glad that you appreciate this song from the little country of Sweden. Even if I'm not American, thanks for the service man! Everytime I'm looking at five finger death punch- Wrong side of heaven I cry😢

As I have said elsewhere: Joakim conducting a choir of thousands...

You do what you do brother, it is ALL good. Your channel, your decisions I am just glad you got to this one. These guys seem to get it, and the crowd reaction is amazing.

Nice genuine reaction. And thank you for your service Good Sir!

Yeah this song gives me chills and tears to my eyes, every time I hear the song or see this video

as a from FINLAND ,THANKS SABATON . jag ger min liv för min fosterland. reserv under seargent. great vids v3tReacts.

You will love a caroleans prayer... By Sabaton...

I love this song 💪🏼

Thank you for your service sabaton is so powerful

You should react to sabaton- the price of a mile.

Excellent reaction, my friend. Take care. Peace. 🤘😎🤘🇸🇪

Danish here. i know this song and lyrics in swedish by heart. The song is so amazing and beautiful. Denmark and Sweden have been to war with eachother for about 36 times or so. i actually believe we hold the record for war between two countries :( Cheers for peace my Swedish brothers and sisters. Heja Sverige! :)

stay strong brother, great reaction//all the best//troutbumandsam

Lovely reaction my guy!! 😍 You actually analyzed the song/lyrics, this song is very emotional and true. I actually tried to join the Swedish military 4 years ago when I turned 18, but they rejected me because I have a small problem with my knees after a moped accident & I have ADHD but I don’t take medication for it.. 😳 Kinda ridiculous they rejected me if you ask me.. 😬

Much love from Sweden! Keep it up!🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

Great reaction from a brother veteran. I love Sabaton…

That one was real good!

Thanks for your service brother From the netherlands🇳🇱

And the beginning of that song made us Swedes feel like "LION FROM THE NORTH!! Gustavus Adolphus The Great!"

i fucking love these videos Sabaton and V3T GOAT

Fantastic band! Fantastic reaction! Sabaton are phenomenal live performers. This song hits deep, because it is about the most brutal and longest war in European history. The song title is my language 😃 And i am proud to be the neighbor to sweden ! And look at that crowd !! Amazing! I subed! Yes , in Norway it is obligated to serve from age 18 . If you are a woman you dont have to. Wars are so bad man! It makes me so sad that people must put themselves in danger because of goverments . But i have high respect for all the soldiers out there, and for the ones who has served 💜🙏🏼Greetings from The Viking Shieldmaiden from Norway 🙌🏼🇳🇴🇳🇴😊 Much Respect to you man!

@11:45 To see your reaction makes me getting goosebumps! Patriotic love from Sweden!

Speechless. Men have not changed. What a rush for the band-members with the crowd singing like that. 13:27 Joakim looks impressed and grateful.

Haha this is my second comment for this evening... Im here in Sweden and looking at this clip.. I actually usually do this on sundays because i really enjoy looking these reaction to the best song ever made... And im humbled almost in tears cause of seing people from another country to show this much emotion for a song that you dont even know the language of.... Its beutiful , but we can agree that this song sends chills down your spine Yours truly xD From real a machinegunner from the real Royal Liv kompaniet in Sweden , AKA frontline in war and a estimated live span in real war of 1 minute and 47 seconds from when we jump of our armored veichle.... Lets make sure that we do everything to NOT go into war anywhere on this planet ever again , we all had enough. Pardon my grammar , im swedish and its a damn sunday so let me be :P

This's Emotional... Purple heart in Memorial Weekend. Primo Victoria 6 of June. In to the Fire, Vietnam. In the Name of God, 911. THANK YOU SABATON 🇺🇸🇸🇪🇺🇸🇸🇪🇺🇸🇸🇪🇺🇸🇸🇪🇺🇸🇸🇪

Love Sabaton!

This is by far one of the most powerful songs ever written! Brings me to tears every time I hear it. I just LOVE Sabaton!

Nicke reaction video!

Good stuff.

gives me chills everytime. i recommend you check out more songs from the Carolus Rex album

love from sweden (we still got it..... WIKING still living )

Yuo´re spot on.

Energy 💪🤟👍

I was there and it was AMAZING. 👍🤘

Everybody that served deserve every inch of respect

Even though he sings of a swedish man in battle, this song is universal. When he sings about a husband, friend, father and son, anyone who is that or a family of one, can relate, and boy, did I relate, a female in my 40´s but with a grandfather who was in the second world war, and this song broke me as I only thought of him and his memory.

Lifetime of War English version since its a completely different song with a more broad view from someone looking into the conflict of the 30 years war from an outsiders prospective compared to this more personal story. Both compliment each other very well.

Nice that you like our Swedish heroes Sabaton they are Awesome! i`m very proud of my Country if i had to die for my country nothing else matters

Oh I almost forgot to say one thing regarding the 30 years war.. today the 6th of November it is exactly 388 years ago the the Swedish king Gustavus Adolfi died in the war during the battle of Lützen. so you almoat piced exactly the day to listen to this song that is about that war and that ended when the King died today 388 years ago :)

Thanks for your service. im swede and have done 2 tours in Kosovo.

As a guy studying in university to avoid getting into army and later on into war we have-yup, that’s the issue that still exists

The opposite from pride is what I get from this song. It was from the 30 year war. Younger and younger people were sent to war for no reason. Church bells were taken down and melted to finance the wars. Famine struck the land as all young people were sent to die instead of tending the farms. They were conscripted, forced to die. 20% of the army had to be replaced every year at the end because of so much death and diseases. No one had time to mourn them because everyone had enough to do, keeping starvation away. No one can feel pride about this. Only shame for letting generations die for no reason.

Back during this war, the 30 year war, the soldiers were drafted, and as for the title, for many it was truly a lifetime of war. This is one of my favorite Sabaton songs for sure

Almost all, if not all, the Swedish versions of the songs in Carolus Rex are superior to the English ones because of the lyrics. This song is a good showcase of that.

Respect sir, regards another swede

As an active member of the swedish armed forces: Sabaton is allways on repeat when we do our drills 😎 And yes you are semi-correct. They changed the law 2016 i think so all men AND females born 2000 or later are required to atleast do the prelimenary tests for service. Much respect for a great channel and great reaction! 🤟

You should check out one of my favorite Sabaton songs, Nuclear Attack.

You did a great job reacting by yourself!! BUT with that said, perhaps you should show this one to your friends?Wickster since he´s a vet too and B2S since he love analysing lyrics?

It's a simple concept , but hard af to put into words. The song makes those of us that served feel something(pride/kinship/whatever) for serving, and those of us that couldn't serve feel an appreciation of the sacrifices made. Hopefully.

This song is an example why Sweden stopped making war. From being an empire to shrinking into a small country again. We almost destroyed our own country many times making war. We just stopped after numerous wars and death. We stopped. We hoped for peace because you destroy yourself by killing others. So we went neutral for 200 years, basically (not true nowadays). But we won't give up if anyone attacks us, hence the extreme amount of weapon making. It's the conditioned politicians and journalists destroying our capacity to function as a country.

this song could be the anthem for any serving military person, and the crowd singing along takes from Epic to deeply touching. Even joachim acknowledges with his bow to them.

This is a song written from the view of a Karoliner solider. In the early 1700:s Sweden was a falling empire at war against pretty much every other country. All men and boys in Sweden that could walk had to go to war. When King Carolus Rex was shot and died in 1709 Sweden was drained. There is a english version of this song too, but the lyrical content is different

Rewatched this and saw the comments thinking: Typing is free and who doesn't enjoy a thank you. As a Swedish civilian I thank the Soviet veterans for not having to speak German and I thank the United States veterans for not having to speak Russian. I have no clue what the Swedish military does but I thank them for not telling me so I can live my life free of threat and worry. o7 i1.

never served the the armed forces, but 10 years as a Firefighter, next to job and everydays live. Guess that means something, too

This pretty emotional even if I am not a soldier. I Think of al our forfathers that went away to die in al the Swedish wars again and again. I cry over them and over the people they left.

This was the first song I cried because of

So many soldiers around ghe world love Sabaton. Their music could probably prevent wars just because the soldiers all wants to be on the same side vibing to Sabaton together. If that happened, Sabaton could recieve the Nobel Peace Price.

So great that you also feel the song like we Swedish do. Our beautiful country Sweden are soon gone. We got politicans that let terrorist murders and criminals just to enter and even we Swedish people have to pay for their lives because they dont work just fucking around and destroy our beautiful contry. Its so sad.

They actually do a cover of this song in English that has entirely different lyrics, but is still focused on the 30 Years War. That one is called A Lifetime of War.

You should check out: march across the belts by civil war and 1648, long live the king and ruina imperii by sabaton.

I know how you feel about their opening instrumentals!! Their song Inmate 4859 is incredibly powerful and has just as powerful of an opening!!

Pretty cool that the drummer is sitting on a tank

Yes. Here in Greece we have to serve at the age of 18

Ranger tom 👍