Soldier by Dax featuring Tom MacDonald is an intensely powerful track that dives into themes of resilience, masculinity, and the mental and emotional struggles of facing life’s toughest battles. The song opens with an intricate guitar riff layered with expanding high hats and Dax‘s signature presence, setting an intense, raw tone. This sonic atmosphere creates a backdrop that feels both gritty and contemplative, mirroring the inner turmoil and strength that the lyrics explore.
In the first verse, Dax reflects on the challenges of facing depression and anxiety, describing them as battles fought in solitude. The lyrics powerfully convey how societal expectations often pressure individuals, especially men, to suppress their struggles. His line about “going to war in your brain” paints a vivid image of internal conflict. Dax’s lyrics depict the exhaustion of constantly “being strong” for others, offering a rare glimpse into the vulnerabilities men face but often feel pressured to hide.
Tom MacDonald’s verse complements Dax’s with a similar theme but adds a sociopolitical layer. MacDonald’s approach critiques societal stereotypes about masculinity and addresses expectations placed on men to provide and sacrifice without complaint. His lyrics reveal the tension between personal identity and societal expectations, as he wrestles with issues like toxic masculinity, duty, and the struggle of being “the bigger man.”
The chorus, with Dax proclaiming himself as a “soldier,” is a declaration of resilience in the face of hardship. The repetition of the phrase “I’m a soldier…” emphasizes the song’s core message: endurance through life’s battles. It resonates as both a personal affirmation and a broader call to listeners who face their own “wars” in everyday life, making the song deeply relatable.
Recorded in one seamless take in Missoula, Montana, Dax’s performance reflects a raw, live energy that amplifies the track’s emotional impact. This choice captures the immediacy of Dax’s and MacDonald’s verses, making listeners feel as though they’re hearing an honest confession. The collaboration with Lex Nour Beats results in a seamless blend of production elements that underscore the artists’ intense delivery.
Soldier serves as more than just a track on Dax‘s upcoming album, it’s a testament to the challenges people face daily, validating the struggles of those who “fight” to stay strong. Both artists use their verses to give voice to common yet often unspoken experiences, bridging their personal stories with universal emotions. In a music landscape often dominated by escapism, Soldier stands out as a work of authenticity and resilience.
The music video is an explosive, high budget, cinematic adventure that has us totally hypnotized, featuring epic performances from both artists. Naturally, we have added Solider to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the discographies of both Dax and Tom MacDonald!