Price range: $2.75 through $3.25
At the start of World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated to internment camps, where they remained for the duration of the war (1942–1945). Ten main camps were established across the United States, housing over 120,000 individuals.
One of these camps, Topaz, was located just miles from my childhood home in Delta, Utah. On several occasions, I visited the site and met former internees, witnessing firsthand the lasting pain caused by this dark chapter in U.S. history.
Lilysoul is a composition that tells their story, written from the perspective of an internee seeking hope amid hardship.
After purchasing the digital score, you will be sent an email containing your purchased file(s). You can also go to My Account to download the file for up to one year after purchase.
SSAATTBB Choir and Piano – 1121.1
Violin Solo (intermediate) and piano – 1121.2
Violin Solo (simplified) and piano – 1121.3
Cello Solo and piano – 1121.4
Words by Timothy Max. Inspired by Japanese haiku poetry written by Japanese Americans at Topaz Internment Camp, Delta, Utah.
Note: In 2026, the lyrics were rewritten in order to better convey the story of the Topaz internees’ experience. The video sample included below does not reflect the newest lyrics.
Lilysoul (2026)
Verse 1
Lonely, empty sky,
Desert basin high—
Boundless hidden grave.
Barren is the clay,
Stifled lies the shade,
Still, the flow’r is born.
Lilysoul, your courage overflows.
Verse 2
Far from mountain crest,
Shadowed in the west—
Wind and sage confine.
Burning through the dust,
Yearning for the just,
Lilysoul is born.
Lilysoul, your solace overflows to my heart—
Solace to my heart.
Verse 3
Fed by gentle light,
Bitter season’s flight,
Little bud is brave.
As the season tends,
Heaven’s rain descends.
Fearless desert flow’r.
Fearless Lilysoul.
