iced earth = 2004 the glorious burden - high water mark (july 3rd, 1863) | Текст песни

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• iced earth = 2004 the glorious burden
• high water mark (july 3rd, 1863)

music and lyrics by jon schaffer
“this being the third day, it’s definitely the most epic and theatrical of the three parts of the trilogy. at this point in the battle, lee has been unsuccessful in breaking through the union lines. on day two he attacked simultaneously, both ends of the union line. the fighting at culp’s hill and the round tops, as well as the wheatfield, peach orchard and devil’s den was fierce and devastating, and the bloodiest of the three days of the battle. lee’s convinced that since he’s attacked the ends of the line that the union must be more vulnerable in the center. lee’s “old warhorse” general james “pete” longstreet is skeptical and voices his concern that this day’s attack is doomed to fail. lee insists that his plan be executed and longstreet, ever the dutiful soldier, reluctantly follows his commanders orders.”
1. cannonade/intro
“the cannonade and the intro that follows it are both symbolic of the massive artillery battle that took place before what is now known as “pickett’s charge.” it is said that president lincoln could see the smoke in the distance and feel the earth shake at the white house during this unprecedented cannonade.”
2. the burden of command
“the next section is my interpretation of the conversation that took place between lee and longstreet. in order to ad a character like atmosphere, i had tim sing the parts of lee and i did the voice of longstreet. listen carefully to the angelic voices in the background that give a dark foreshadow to the coming events………”
lee
“it was very close yesterday
i thought for sure they would break
but this attack that i have planned
a massive strike across open land
in the center they will break (will they break?)
but plan it well, everything’s at stake
we’ll hit ‘em hard, not a silent gun
before the infantry’s begun”
“execute it well, we risk everything”
“it’s in god’s hands now”
longstreet
“general lee i must tell you straight
i believe this attack will fail
no 15,000 men ever made
will overtake that ridge today
a mile charge over open ground
with yankee cannon gunnin’ us down”
lee
“we do our duty, we do what we must
and in my plan you will trust”
(thousands die, on this day)
“execute it well, we risk everything”
“it’s in god’s hands now”
3. the last full measure
“this next musical passage at 3:28 was designed to give the listener the feeling of what a heavy burden it must have been for everyone involved, from the officers down to the ranks. when i really thought about what must have been going through the minds of those boys behind the trees on seminary ridge it translated to this somewhat sad but determined and emotional piece of music. lyrically i’m setting up the whole scenario that’s taking place. this is definitely one of my favorite parts of the trilogy as it really moves me every time i hear it.”
the rebel cannon break the silence
150 guns make up their cannonade
they must destroy the union center
before the infantry can launch their grand assault
the yankees are returning fire (the earth shakes violently)
in washington d.c. lincoln feels the earth shake
what happens here this day
the fate of this nation
in the balance it will hang
consumed with the pain
the courage of the blue
the valor of the grey
so very sad but true
consumed with the pain
the virginians are the chosen
in wait behind the trees on seminary ridge
longstreet’s slow to give the order
the lines emerge, a mile, 15,000 men
the charge begins in all it’s grandeur (to the copse of trees)
for many of these men they know it is their last
the slaughter now ensues
bodies fall like rain
they valiantly pursue
yet doomed to remain
at the double quick they charge
the canister rips through them
to the mouth of hell they march
glory, the only gain
4. charge!!
“at 6:51 the confederate infantry advances. from behind the trees on seminary ridge 15,000 men stretched out a mile long emerge and march