- David McCormick (lead singer)
- Alan… Read Full Bio ↴A Rotterdam November is:
- David McCormick (lead singer)
- Alan Schwaderer (keys, guitar, backup vocals)
- Jared Nelson (guitar, backup vocals)
- Andy Baker (bass)
- David Niacaris (drums)
- Dylan Anitok (guitar, backup vocals)
The band formed in late 2006, Boise, Idaho.
Their name alludes to what happened in the aftermath of the bombing of the city of Rotterdam during WWII. After the heart of the venerable city had been completely destroyed, architects reconstructed it from scratch. The band's name reflects the interpretation of this idea of "an old city with a new heart" as a Christian metaphor for the renewing transformation of a heart damaged by sin.
1914
A Rotterdam November Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
snow, it falls through the night, and blankets the frozen ground.
And just for one moment, just for one night, you can rest, you can rest and
not fear the sky.
Pre- Chorus:
Picture after picture of pain and of strife. I've seen my friends go before my
Chorus:
One day, one day only...the fighting stops, defenses drop, brothers talk.
Verse 2:
Hold on, stop and pray, there's no movement inside the trench. The enemy doesn't look so mean when Christmas fires are lit. Just for one moment, just for one night, we can be, we can be, side by side.
Instrumental break:
Pre-chorus 2:
Day after day of fighting and dying. My eyes are tired of seeing, of crying.
Tonight, the air is cold, but tonight our hearts are warm. Tonight, we're caught in the crossfire of Europe's war.
Chorus 2 :
Bridge:
Let the bombings come, we can take it all, hell or high water, even if the sky
falls. But, I know we're sunk with all we can take, when I look around and I
see this heartbreak. Cuz' we weren't meant to inflict such wounds, doesn't
matter who we are or what we have to prove. Strike me, I bleed, but won't
strike back. Lie to me, Jesus has died for that. There is nothing you can do to counter love.
Chorus 3
For one day, one day only....a child was born, one man died, He came back alive
The song "1914" by A Rotterdam November is a powerful reflection on the impact of war and the fleeting moments of peace that can be found amidst the chaos. The first verse begins with a description of the aftermath of a battle, with the sound of cannonballs now silenced and snow falling on the frozen ground. The chorus speaks to the hope of a world where fighting ceases and enemies can come together as brothers. The second verse provides a glimpse of a truce between enemies, with soldiers taking a moment to light Christmas fires and recognize their shared humanity. The pre-chorus and bridge bring a deeper sense of pain and sorrow, acknowledging the loss of friends and loved ones and the devastation of war. The song ultimately ends on a note of hope and resilience, with a reminder of the miracle of life and the power of love to conquer hate.
This song is particularly poignant given its focus on World War I, which was infamous for its brutality and the staggering loss of life on both sides. The fact that soldiers of opposing armies could find moments of peace amidst such extreme violence is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Wait, wait, listen to that sound, the cannonballs have all fallen down. The snow, it falls through the night, and blankets the frozen ground.
Be still, as the sound of the cannons fade and snow blankets the ground.
And just for one moment, just for one night, you can rest, you can rest and not fear the sky.
Take comfort in the brief respite from war and fear.
Picture after picture of pain and of strife. I've seen my friends go before my own eyes. You, your eyes are blue, and you, you've lost friends too. You your caught in the crossfire of Europe's war.
Memories of loss and grief form a picture of war, which affects everyone, including you and me.
One day, one day only...the fighting stops, defenses drop, brothers talk.
Hope for a day when peace reigns and enemies become friends.
Hold on, stop and pray, there's no movement inside the trench. The enemy doesn't look so mean when Christmas fires are lit. Just for one moment, just for one night, we can be, we can be, side by side.
Amidst the stillness and light of Christmas, enemies can come together and coexist, if only briefly.
Day after day of fighting and dying. My eyes are tired of seeing, of crying. Tonight, the air is cold, but tonight our hearts are warm. Tonight, we're caught in the crossfire of Europe's war.
Enduring the never-ending cycle of war and death, we still find warmth and humanity amidst the cold air of battle.
Let the bombings come, we can take it all, hell or high water, even if the sky falls. But, I know we're sunk with all we can take, when I look around and I see this heartbreak. Cuz' we weren't meant to inflict such wounds, doesn't matter who we are or what we have to prove. Strike me, I bleed, but won't strike back. Lie to me, Jesus has died for that. There is nothing you can do to counter love.
While we can bear the physical toll of war, the emotional wounds inflicted on all sides show that its brutality is out of step with our humanity. Violence and lies are insufficient to overcome love.
For one day, one day only....a child was born, one man died, He came back alive
Amidst the darkness of war, there is still hope and the promise of peace, as symbolized by the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Contributed by Colton R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.