Story Behind The Song

I've always admired Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for her courage, her selfless sacrifice, her calm disposition, her optimism, her determination, her love for her country and her people. In spite of the persecution and the great odds stacked against her, she never gives up the fight for freedom.

In 2006, I attempted to write a song in tribute to this remarkable lady. Unfortunately, the lyrics lacked conviction and were merely narrative. So I shelved it...and rightly so.

Fast forward April 2012. I was watching a TV documentary on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. I heard the recital of a poem she wrote entitled " in The Quiet Land ". It enthralled me. I google-searched the poem. Read it twice. It was simple, visual and beautiful. I was overwhelmed by a strong desire to set music to it. The following morning, I started composing the music and completed by noon. I hope Daw Aung San Suu Kyi likes it.
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Lyrics

In The QuietLandPoem/Lyrics by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
In the Quiet Land no one can tellIf there's someone who's listening for secrets they can sellThe informers are paid in the blood of the landAnd no one dares speak what the tyrants won't stand
In the quiet land of BurmaNo one laughs and no one thinks out loudIn the quiet land of BurmaYou can hear it in the silence of the crowd
In the Quiet Land no one can sayWhen the soldiers are coming to carry them away.The Chinese want a roaD ; the French want the oilThe Thais take the timber and SLORC takes the spoils
In the Quiet Land....In the Quiet Land, no one can hearWhat is silenced by murder and covered up with fear.But despite what is forced, freedom's a soundThat liars can't fake and no shouting can drown