Like Reflections on a Page

"Solitary Shell" by Dream Theater

He seemed no different from the rest
Just a healthy normal boy
His mama always did her best
And he was daddy's pride and joy

He learned to walk and talk on time
But never cared much to be held
and steadily he would decline
Into his solitary shell

As a boy he was considered somewhat odd
Kept to himself most of the time
He would daydream in and out of his own world
but in every other way he was fine

He's a Monday morning lunatic
Disturbed from time to time
Lost within himself
In his solitary shell

A temporary catatonic
Madman on occasion
When will he break out
Of his solitary shell

He struggled to get through his day
He was helplessly behind
He poured himself onto the page
Writing for hours at a time

As a man he was a danger to himself
Fearful and sad most of the time
He was drifting in and out of sanity
But in every other way he was fine

He's a Monday morning lunatic
Disturbed from time to time
Lost within himself
In his solitary shell

A momentary maniac
With casual delusions
When will he be let out
Of his solitary shell

An Inspiration

Being a fan of war movies, Ridley Scott's 'Black Hawk Down', based on the US Somalia operations, undoubtedly ranks among my faves. The soundtrack, like the movie, is equally superb. One song that stands out for me is the one that plays on the end credits. The tune just hit me when I was watching it for the first time leaving the movie theatre. Once I checked out the lyrics, I was truly inspired. Named 'Minstrel Boy', it is performed for the movie by Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros. But originally, it is a poem written by the Irish poet Thomas Moore in the early nineteenth century in remembrance of his friends who had fought & been martyred in the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

The lyrics:

The minstrel boy to the war is gone,

In the ranks of death you'll find him;

His father's sword he hath girded on,

And his wild harp slung behind him;

"Land of Song!" cried the warrior bard,

"Tho' all the world betrays thee,

One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,

One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain

Could not bring that proud soul under;

The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,

For he tore its chords asunder;

And said "No chains shall sully thee,

Thou soul of love and brav'ry!

Thy songs were made for the pure and free

They shall never sound in slavery!"

Footnote : Once I did listen to the entire soundtrack, I was disappointed to learn that my favourite composer A.R. Rahman has directly lifted tunes from it (viz. a song called 'Barra Barra') for the songs 'Khalbali' and the opening sequence of Rang De Basanti. :(

In case he has mentioned his inspiration, I stand corrected, but I am truly disappointed.