Ballade van het wonderorgel

Gerard Cox's song "Ballade van het wonderorgel" is a poignant tribute to a bygone era and a tragic historical event. The song tells the story of a magnificent organ in a Rotterdam cinema, a marvel created by two Jewish immigrants. This organ was not just an instrument; it had a soul that could evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, and even a sense of national pride. The organ's music was so powerful that it could make listeners feel as if they were part of the scenes it accompanied, whether it was a jungle adventure or a romantic escapade.

The narrative takes a dark turn as it recounts the bombing of Rotterdam during World War II. The organ, which once filled the cinema with its enchanting melodies, becomes a symbol of the city's suffering. The vivid descriptions of the bombing, the ensuing fires, and the destruction of homes, churches, and theaters paint a harrowing picture of the chaos and devastation. The organ, with its soulful music, tries to offer a final prayer for mercy, but its pleas are drowned out by the relentless bombing. The once majestic organ is reduced to silence, a tragic end to a symbol of cultural and emotional richness.

Cox's lyrics also touch on the human cost of the bombing, describing the loss of lives and the desperate attempts to find safety. The imagery of people trapped, the burning buildings, and the futile efforts to escape the flames add a layer of personal tragedy to the historical event. The song ends on a somber note, with the organ's final, discordant notes serving as a requiem for the city and its people. Through this ballad, Cox not only commemorates the wonder organ but also pays homage to the resilience and suffering of Rotterdam's inhabitants during one of the darkest chapters in the city's history.