Remember Me
Echoes of Sacrifice: A Reflection on the Unknown Soldier's Plea
Lyrics
Oh, I am the Unknown Soldier who died in World War Two.
The singer identifies as the Unknown Soldier from World War Two, emphasizing anonymity and sacrifice.
I didn't want to fight, it was the only thing to do.
Reluctance to engage in warfare but felt compelled due to circumstances.
I was the victim of a world that went insane--
Feeling like a victim of a chaotic, irrational world.
Will you show me that I didn't die in vain.
Hopes that their sacrifice had a meaningful impact.
Remember me, when the crosses are a burnin',
Asking to be remembered during times of intense conflict and hate.
Remember me, when the racists come around.
Requesting remembrance when racism is prevalent.
Remember me, when the tides of peace are turnin',
Asking not to be forgotten during shifts toward peace.
Remember me and please don't let me down.
Hoping not to be let down by being forgotten.
On the South Pacific Islands and the Iwo Jima sands
Referencing specific battlegrounds and the symbolism of raising the flag of freedom.
We raised the flag of freedom over many distant lands
Participation in spreading freedom while experiencing the internal anguish of taking lives.
And every time I killed a man my own heart felt the pain--
Feeling personal pain with each act of killing.
Will you show me that I didn't die in vain.
Desire for reassurance that the sacrifices were meaningful.
Remember me, when the crosses are a burnin',
Reiterating the plea for remembrance during tumultuous times.
Remember me, when the racists come around.
Requesting remembrance amidst racial tensions and bigotry.
Remember me, when the tides of peace are turnin',
Asking not to be forgotten during the fluctuation from conflict to peace.
Remember me and please don't let me down.
Seeking assurance of not being abandoned or disregarded.
And I carried my old rifle to the European shore
Recalling experiences in Europe, carrying the weight of lost comrades.
And every friend that died made me die a little more.
Each lost friend intensifying the singer's own suffering.
Have pity on the man who put a bullet through my brain
Seeking empathy for the person who caused their death.
And show me that I didn't die in vain.
Desiring confirmation that their death had purpose.
Remember me, when the crosses are a burnin',
Repeating the plea for remembrance during times of conflict and turmoil.
Remember me, when the racists come around.
Asking to be remembered when racial tensions escalate.
Remember me, when the tides of peace are turnin',
Requesting not to be forgotten during shifts towards peace.
Remember me and please don't let me down.
Hoping not to be abandoned or disregarded in memory.
When the Fascists started marching many millions had to pay;
Reflecting on the rise of Fascism and the tragic consequences of ignoring warning signs.
We saw them rise to power but we looked the other way.
Acknowledging collective oversight in the face of rising authoritarianism.
It happened once before and it can happen once again--
Warning against history repeating itself.
Will you show me that I didn't die in vain.
Seeking validation that sacrifices were made to prevent such tragedies.
Remember me, when the crosses are a burnin',
Reiterating the plea for remembrance amidst intense conflicts.
Remember me, when the racists come around.
Requesting remembrance in the face of racism and discrimination.
Remember me, when the tides of peace are turnin',
Asking not to be forgotten during transitions to peace.
Remember me and please don't let me down.
Seeking assurance of continued significance and remembrance.
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