Unlike track 7, Is This The Shape Pt
1, where Britain stood alone against Nazi Germany, and the
shape of things looked bleak, This Is The Shape Pt2, maps
out the different shape that the conflict took. Hitler's plans
to invade England were unsuccessful and the Nazis' defeat in the
Battle of Britain halted their advance west. Hitler looked east...
toward Russia.
The track opens up with a speech from Churchill
regarding Hitler's invasion of the Soviet Union :
Winston Churchill: "At
4.00 O'clock this morning, Hitler attacked and invaded Russia.
This was no surprise to me. In fact I gave clear and precise warnings,
to Stalin, of what was coming. I gave him warnings as I have given
warnings to others before. Hitler is a monster of wickedness,
insatiable in his lust for blood and plunder. So now this blood
thirsty gutter snipe, must launch his mechanized armies at the
new fields of slaughter, pillage and devastation." In October
1941, Winston Churchill visited his old school at Harrow and delivered
his "Never,
never, never..." speech.
Two events would change the shape, and
turn the tide in WW2, in favour of the Allies. First the invasion
of the Soviet Union, and the second was the 'dastardly' attack
on Pearl
Harbor by the Japanese. The Russian campaign proved to
be fatal for Hitler, as the Russians retreated using a Scorched-Earth
policy. Although the Germans would reach within 30 miles of Moscow,
they would not advance any further. The cold Russian winter, and
not being properly prepared for the cold, would also contribute
to their defeat.
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor
America declared war on Japan. America was not at war with Germany,
but being an ally to Japan, Germany mysteriously declared war
on the US, and with this America entered WW2, but would be involved
in the Pacific and in Europe.
After Churchill's speech on Hitler invading
Russia, we hear Roosevelt's speech, after the Pearl Harbor attack,
at Congress declaring war on Japan.
Roosevelt: "I ask that the Congress
declare, that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan,
on Sunday December 7th 1941. A state of war has existed between
the United States (States) and the Japanese Empire." (Full
Speech : Roosevelt declares war on Japan).
Soon Germany would be fighting on two
strong fronts in Europe. Musically and lyrically the album reflects
this as the tracks become stronger and darker. This Is The
Shape Pt2 defines the position and makes the statement : "No
more taking it, now its our turn!"
Winston Churchill: "What kind of a people
do they think we are? Is it possible they do not realize that
we will never cease to persevere against them, until they have
been taught a lesson, which they and the world will never forget."
Oppressed and watched
we've felt the eye of loneliness.
The pain was audible, but suffering was optional.
You took your chance so down it comes and there it goes.
So don't tell us just what to do even though you set the rules.
This is the shape, this is the shape of things to come.
The hold you had won't hold us for much longer.
Now you will feel the taste of total war as we get stronger.
Ah the end will come, it will be fast, so cry your last few tears.
Now it's your turn, after the years, for you to share in the shock
and fear.
This is the shape, this is the shape of things to come.
