Iluvatar "Exodus" Question

[DMullin]

Hi Vermillion,

I e-mailed Tom about the meaning of the Exodus Lyrics. Here is his reply:

"It was initially written for any/all of the wars (those of somewhat recent history) in South America, most especially El Salvador. It is written in the voice of a father trying to get his child over the border and away from the war. The line, "...it can't go on raining forever" is the father's optimism that they will get to safety. The last line, "let it rain, let it rain" is his dying realization that his hopes will not be realized. The irony being that he is shot "...by a child's gun" while trying to save his own child. This highlights the deplorable and desperate practice in many countries of using children as soldiers. Unfortunately, Vermillion's point about Cambodia (and many, many other places) would apply as well. This is my favorite Iluvatar tune, followed by Holidays and Miracles."

There you have it, direct from the source!

Dennis