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.