A Tale of Two Cities
Eisenfunk Lyrics


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After Hiroshima, Tokyo wondered when the next atomic bomb will fall. They did not wonder long.

To shorten the war.

Hiroshima vanished from the list of living cities to shorten the war.

Surrender or face complete destruction.
To shorten the war.

To shorten the war.

Atom bomb

To shorten the war.

Complete destruction.

The first city in history of an atomic bomb.

Complete destruction.

Complete destruction.

Here's the pictoral record of the results at zero point directly beneath the explosion.

The effect of dealing with an atomic bomb.

Atom bomb

To shorten the war.

Atom bomb





The evidence that atomic power deflects the enemy become the tale of the two cities.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Eisenfunk's "A Tale of Two Cities" delve into the dark history of atomic bombings in Japan during World War II. The song begins with the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima, whereby Tokyo was bound to be the next target of the atomic bomb. Tokyo knew that they would not have to wait for long before they faced a similar devastation to that of Hiroshima. The lyrics reflect on the rationale given for the bombings - to "shorten the war." The lyrics repeat this phrase multiple times, emphasizing the gravity of the decision to use an atomic bomb and its justification in the eyes of those who made that decision.


The song then elaborates on how complete destruction of Hiroshima brought about Japan's surrender in World War II. The concept of complete destruction forms the central theme of the song. Eisenfunk highlights how the first city to experience an atomic bomb in history faced complete destruction. The imagery of atomic power's impact on Hiroshima is highlighted when the singer says, "Here's the pictorial record of the results at zero point directly beneath the explosion." The song concludes by depicting atomic bombs as evidence of how they can shift the course of war, making the victors the tale of the two cities.


The song's lyrics provide a thought-provoking account of a critical moment in world history. They remind us of the horrors of war and the human cost of the decisions made in its pursuit. By emphasizing the theme of "complete destruction" and the justifications given for using an atomic bomb, the lyrics compel us to reflect on the ethical implications of such a devastating act.


Line by Line Meaning

After Hiroshima, Tokyo wondered when the next atomic bomb will fall. They did not wonder long.
Tokyo feared another atomic bomb after the destruction of Hiroshima, and their fears were soon realized.


To shorten the war.
The use of atomic bombs was justified as a means to end World War II more quickly.


Hiroshima vanished from the list of living cities to shorten the war.
The bombing of Hiroshima was so devastating that the city was no longer inhabitable, but the decision to drop the bomb was made in order to end the war faster.


Surrender or face complete destruction.
The United States demanded Japan's unconditional surrender or else they would face the destruction of their entire nation.


Atom bomb
The atomic bomb was a new and highly destructive weapon that was used to end World War II.


Complete destruction.
The atomic bomb caused widespread devastation and destruction, leaving entire cities in ruins.


The first city in history of an atomic bomb.
Hiroshima was the first city in history to be bombed with an atomic weapon.


Here's the pictoral record of the results at zero point directly beneath the explosion.
This is a record of the immediate aftermath of the atomic bomb's explosion, at ground zero.


Atom bomb
The atomic bomb was a new and highly destructive weapon that was used to end World War II.


The evidence that atomic power deflects the enemy become the tale of the two cities.
The use of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki became a symbol of the power of the United States and deterred other countries from challenging them, leading to a 'tale of two cities' in which they became a superpower.




Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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