“When I composed the requiem, I re-lived the feelings I had during the Khmer Rouge times. It was hell on earth. The requiem needs to be experienced around the world so that everyone understands that tragedy is a shared experience, and there is hope in creation.”

— Him Sophy

 

Bangsokol: A Requiem
for Cambodia

1. wandering souls / utterly alone

2. please come listen / the roots of wars

3. my dearest, my child / they’ve snatched you away

4. keeping you is no gain / losing you is no loss

5. in the silence of the forest / you’ll be thrown away

6. awaiting ambrosia / for all the souls

7. the white bangsokol shroud / once this skin is shed, bliss arises

8. this body is pain / let it all go

9. wandering souls / coming back to life