The Trial
The Rundfunk Orchestra and Choir Lyrics
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From the pale and downtrodden
And the words they say
Which we won't understand
"Don't accept that what's happening
Is just a case of others' suffering
Or you'll find that you're joining in
The turning away"
It's a sin that somehow
Light is changing to shadow
And casting its shroud
Over all we have known
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Driven on by a heart of stone
We could find that we're all alone
In the dream of the proud
On the wings of the night
As the daytime is slurring
Where the speechless unite
In a silent accord
Using words you will find are strange
And mesmerized as they light the flame
Feel the new wind of change
On the wings of the night
No more turning away
From the weak and the weary
No more turning away
From the coldness inside
Just a world that we all must share
It's not enough just to stand and stare
Is it only a dream that there'll be
No more turning away?
The song "The Trial" by The Rundfunk Orchestra & Choir invokes a deep sense of struggle and introspection, urging listeners to resist turning away from the pain of others and to instead empathize and stand in solidarity with them. The opening verse introduces the concept of "turning away" from those who are downtrodden or suffering, warning that apathy and indifference only contribute to the problem. The following verse paints a darker picture of the world, where light turns to shadow and a sense of isolation and alienation creeps in.
The bridge of the song introduces the possibility of change, symbolized by the "wings of the night" and the unity of those who are typically silenced or marginalized. The final verse calls for an end to this turning away, and implores listeners to take a more active role in shaping a more just world. The repetition of the phrase "no more turning away" drives home the urgency of these calls to action.
Overall, "The Trial" is an emotionally charged and thought-provoking song that challenges listeners to reflect on their own role in creating positive change.
Line by Line Meaning
On the turning away
The act of ignoring the needs of the powerless
From the pale and downtrodden
Neglecting those who are weak and oppressed
And the words they say
Their struggle and cries for help
Which we won't understand
We choose to ignore their pain and suffering
"Don't accept that what's happening
Do not believe that the plight of others is irrelevant
Is just a case of others' suffering
Their suffering affects us all
Or you'll find that you're joining in
If we ignore their plight, we become part of the problem
The turning away"
The act of ignoring those in need
It's a sin that somehow
Neglecting others is a moral wrongdoing
Light is changing to shadow
Hope and happiness are fading
And casting its shroud
Covering us in darkness and despair
Over all we have known
Our whole world is affected
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Unaware of how many others are now suffering
Driven on by a heart of stone
Our indifference to others has made us cold-hearted
We could find that we're all alone
Our neglect of others can make us isolated
In the dream of the proud
In our false sense of superiority
On the wings of the night
Under the cover of darkness
As the daytime is slurring
As our awareness and clarity fade
Where the speechless unite
Where the silent sufferers come together
In a silent accord
In unspoken agreement
Using words you will find are strange
Using language we may not understand
And mesmerized as they light the flame
Enchanted by their call to action
Feel the new wind of change
Sense the possibility for positive transformation
On the wings of the night
Under the cover of darkness
No more turning away
We must stop ignoring others' needs
From the weak and the weary
From those who are vulnerable and tired
No more turning away
We must confront the coldness within ourselves
From the coldness inside
From our own indifference and lack of compassion
Just a world that we all must share
We are all connected and responsible for each other
It's not enough just to stand and stare
We must take action to help others
Is it only a dream that there'll be
Is the hope for a better world just a fantasy?
No more turning away?
Will we finally face the harsh reality and act with compassion?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Roger Waters, Bob Ezrin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind