He Raised His Hand To Make A Roll Call - World War II

This track originates from the final album of Sodagreen's "Vivaldi Project," titled "Winter Endless." As the culmination of a seasonal journey, this album bears a distinctly heavier tone than its preceding three. Centered around the themes of "Berlin" and "Classical Music," it exudes a solemn and humanistic aura steeped in history, delving into the most concealed, profound, and sensitive aspects of humanity and society. This particular song, which won the "Best Lyrics" award at the Golden Melody Awards, addresses one of the darkest and most tragic historical periods corresponding to the album's theme—World War II.

Titled "He Raises His Right Hand for Roll Call," the song inevitably evokes the Nazi salute, using a sharp narrative to depict Nazi atrocities. When they raised their arms straight up, they were essentially calling out names to the world, and those named faced the fate of death. Upon close examination of the lyrics, each line is enclosed in quotation marks, symbolizing the desperate questions posed by Jews on trains bound for concentration camps, as exemplified by the opening line: "This is a wicked game plotted by all; that train should not have brought me here."

Adam and Eve, who ate the forbidden fruit, were expelled from the Garden of Eden and bore two sons, Cain and Abel. Despite their shared labor, Cain, who offered crops to God, did not receive the same favor as Abel, who offered animal flesh, leading to the first murder as Cain slew his own brother. Many years later, Abraham, descendant of Cain, bore Isaac and Ishmael, considered ancestors of Israelis and Arabs respectively. People of common descent have continually invaded and massacred each other.

However, the composer does not dwell solely on the outrage of Nazi crimes but delves deeper into the dark side of humanity shared by every individual, whether victim or executioner. As the lyrics state: "Immigrants, captives, gypsies, Jews, homosexuals... Will the world be the same decades later?" Despite World War II, the establishment of the United Nations, and the invention of more powerful weapons, human evil persists. Words, attitudes, and social hierarchies continue to persecute vulnerable groups. The Jews on the train sharply accuse God: "Because of His injustice, the first murderer was born." At the end of their lives, they murmur: "Why do they say I'm guilty, if I say He is too?" This subtle phrasing sends shivers down one's spine. While Cain was the murderer, it was human jealousy that drove him to commit his crime. Through this song, the composer asks every listener, "If spectators had a choice, would you be a victim or an executioner?" How are you dealing with the shadows in your humanity? Are you killing?

The song's rapid and intense rhythm, paired with a classically-flavored melody orchestrated by a symphony, presents a tragic historical scene to the audience. It simultaneously interrogates the spectators: The world hasn't improved; what role are you playing in it? Are you doing good? Have you been consumed by shadows?