Heaven Shall Burn's song "If This Is A Man" is based on the book of the same name, written by Primo Levi, an Italian Holocaust survivor. The book recounts Levi's experiences in Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. The lyrics of the song depict the stark contrast between the comfortable lives of those who live in safety and luxury, and the unimaginable suffering and dehumanization experienced by the prisoners in the concentration camps. The first verse addresses those who live in warm houses with hot food and friendly faces, asking them to consider the reality of those who live and work in the mud with no peace, fighting for basic survival. The line "Who dies because of a yes or no" refers to the arbitrary decisions made by the Nazis that determined life or death for the prisoners. The second verse focuses on the specific plight of a woman in the camp, described as being without hair and without a name, symbolizing the loss of identity and dignity experienced by the inmates. Her empty eyes and cold womb represent the loss of hope and the crushing of the human spirit. The chorus "Meditate that this came about" is a plea to the listeners to reflect on how such atrocities could happen and continue to happen. The lyrics urge the audience to carve these words in their hearts, to constantly remind themselves of the atrocities committed and to carry the memory forward, even at home, on the street, and in their everyday lives. The closing lines of the song emphasize the importance of passing on these stories and lessons to the next generation. If the audience fails to do so, the consequences are severe: their houses may fall apart, they may fall ill, and their children may turn away from them. Essentially, it is a warning that without acknowledging and learning from the horrors of the past, history is bound to repeat itself. Heaven Shall Burn's "If This Is A Man" is a powerful and haunting song that aims to raise awareness about the Holocaust and the atrocities committed during that time. It serves as a reminder to never forget the past and to strive for a more just and compassionate world.
