The brutal Chinese occupation of Tibet and the suppression of
Tibetan culture has largely been ignored by the West. Many exiled Tibetan
monks and nuns have tried to draw attention to their plight
through the act of self-immolation in public places across China.
This is something the Chinese government tries to keep hidden.
This song is dedicated to the memory of a 35 year old Buddhist nun
called Palden Choetso. She set fire to herself and later died
on the 3rd of November 2011 on the Chume Bridge
in the centre of Tawu, Kandze Autonomous Prefecture, Eastern Tibet.
Click here for more on the subject.
PILLAR OF FIRE
Pillar of Fire, burning bright
In the drive-by daylight
Lighting up the world with her body
She’s just a girl in saffron robe
Grain of rice in a begging bowl
Every day begins with the turning of the prayer wheel
That’s how the world spins around
Pillar of Fire
She’s a Pillar of Fire
Look in the flames can you see her
Don’t tell the world Chinese Whispers
Blissful eyes are turning to heaven
She’s taking a drink from a petrol can
A light falls down from her praying hands
Now she’s a beacon shining for her people
Chenrezig, how can she take that pain?
Pillar of Fire
She’s a Pillar of Fire
Look in the night sky Chinese lanterns
Can you see her, Chinese lantern
There is crimson snow on the mountain
Let us go to the holy land
Tenzin, take us by the hand
The roof of the world is leaking
Tears are raining from the gilded face
Pillar of Fire
She’s a Pillar of Fire