Er Leven Haast Geen Mensen Meer

Wim Kan's song "Er Leven Haast Geen Mensen Meer" is a poignant reflection on the harrowing experiences of those who lived through the construction of the Burma Railway during World War II. The lyrics paint a somber picture of the immense human suffering and loss of life that occurred, with a particular focus on the dwindling number of survivors who can recount these events. The song serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed and the enduring impact on those who survived.

The song opens by acknowledging the significant loss of life, with the enemy having taken approximately one-third of the people. The imagery of the dead sleeping in burlap sacks under the Burma sky is haunting, emphasizing the brutal conditions and the finality of their fate. The empty camps and cells symbolize the void left by those who perished, and the few remaining survivors who can tell their stories are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Kan's lyrics delve deeper into the horrors of the Burma Railway, where countless lives were lost. The line about each railroad tie having a body beneath it underscores the scale of the tragedy. The dead, buried in the Burmese ground, remain silent witnesses to the atrocities. The song also touches on the escape attempts and the imperial orders that led to executions without trial, highlighting the cruelty and inhumanity faced by the prisoners. The reference to the Emperor of Japan, who remains alive and knowledgeable about these events, adds a layer of irony and critique, questioning why these stories are not more widely acknowledged or discussed.

The song concludes with a powerful image of the Emperor dining at Soestdijk, suggesting that he could have shared these stories while eating. This juxtaposition of mundane activity with the recounting of horrific events serves to underscore the disconnect between those who suffered and those in power. "Er Leven Haast Geen Mensen Meer" is a moving tribute to the victims and a call to remember and honor their stories, ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten.