Words and Music: Randall Effner
Vocals: Randall and Sara Effner
Guitar: Randall Effner
Violin: Susanna Halden
The video "Plum Blossom in Snow," by Swedish film maker Elefteria Kalogritsa, tells the story of Australian citizen Zhizen (Jane) Dai and her daughter Fadu. The husband and father of this family, Chen Chengyong, was murdered in China in 2001 after appealing to the Chinese government to stop the persecution of Falun Gong. Despite the risk of reprisals from the Communist regime, Ms. Dai has traveled the world since then to let people know about her husband's brutal death and about the campaign of genocide against Falun Gong practitioners in China. Determined to help the huge number of families who have lost loved ones just like herself, Ms. Dai has asked for help and support from the international community. Her message about human rights and her appeal for justice come from a deep conviction originating from her personal experience, belief, and sorrow, transformed into compassion.
This documentary was made over a period of several years at great sacrifice of time and money by filmmakers and human rights advocates whose common goal is to help end the persecution of Falun Gong in China. We'd like to participate in that effort as well, first, with our song "Plum Blossoms in the Snow," and secondly, by making the video available through our website. All funds collected will be donated to the film project. To order the video
Lyrics:
At the turning of the season, in that somber time of year
When bone-chilled, weary people long for spring
A sign of life renewed arrives, bringing hope and cheer
From Washington to Paris to Beijing
The plum tree's delicate and small, ignored when all is green
Humble in the heat of summer sun
But in the barren cold its flowers burst upon the scene
Proclaiming a new season has begun
Oh, winter's back is broken though the Northern winds still blow,
Plum blossoms in the snow.
Instrumental Break
A refugee from China, with her daughter in her arms
Steadfast in days so bleak and nights so long
Pays tribute to her husband and tells how he came to harm,
Murdered 'cause he practiced Falun Gong
Now to this martyr's mission, his wife has remained true
Explaining to the people 'round the world
Just what the broken families in China must go through
When Moms and Dads are tortured, jailed and killed
The seeds of justice that she plants will germinate and grow
Plum blossoms in the snow.
Instrumental Break
The glory that was China, is fading by the hour
Mammon worshiped on the dingy street
The best are found in prisons when the worst are wielding power
The ancient culture forced into retreat
But wintertime has run its course, the plum trees are in bloom
People turn their faces to the sky
The good are blessed, the evil crushed, the sun breaks through the gloom
The ordeal's over, peaceful days are nigh
Myriad flowers dot the land, their treasures to bestow,
Plum Blossoms in the snow.
Copyright ©2009 Justice Will Prevail