Manhattan-Kaboul

Renaud, Axelle Red

About Manhattan-Kaboul

"Manhattan-Kaboul" is a French song written by Renaud and composed by Jean-Pierre Bucolo, sung by Renaud in duo with Axelle Red, from the 2002 album Boucan d'enfer. It was written in the aftermath of the incidents of September 11, 2001 and the War in Afghanistan. The song was very successful in France and Belgium, becoming a top five hit in these countries. As of August 2014, it is the 67th best-selling single of the 21st century in France, with 355,000 units sold.


Year:
2003
3:50
898 
#3

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Petit Portoricain, bien intégré quasiment New-Yorkais
Dans mon building tout de verre et d’acier
Je prends mon job, un rail de coke, un café
Petite fille Afghane, de l’autre côté de la terre
Jamais entendu parler de Manhattan
Mon quotidien c’est la misère et la guerre

Deux étrangers au bout du monde, si différents
Deux inconnus, deux anonymes, mais pourtant
Pulvérisés, sur l’autel, de la violence éternelle

Un 747, s’est explosé dans mes fenêtres
Mon ciel si bleu est devenu orage
Lorsque les bombes ont rasé mon village

Deux étrangers au bout du monde, si différents
Deux inconnus, deux anonymes, mais pourtant
Pulvérisés, sur l’autel, de la violence éternelle

So long, adieu mon rêve Américain
Moi, plus jamais esclave des chiens
Ils t'imposaient l’Islam des tyrans
Ceux-là n'ont-ils jamais lu le Coran?

Suis redevenu poussière
Je serai pas maître de l’univers
Ce pays que j’aimais tellement serait-il
Finalement colosse aux pieds d’argile?

Les dieux, les religions
Les guerres de civilisation
Les armes, les drapeaux, les patries, les nations
Font toujours de nous de la chair à canon

Deux étrangers au bout du monde, si différents
Deux inconnus, deux anonymes, mais pourtant
Pulvérisés, sur l’autel, de la violence éternelle

Deux étrangers au bout du monde, si différents
Deux inconnus, deux anonymes, mais pourtant
Pulvérisés, sur l’autel, de la violence éternelle

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Renaud

Renaud Pierre Manuel Séchan, known as Renaud (French pronunciation: ​[ʁəno]; born in Paris on 11 May 1952), is a popular French singer, songwriter and actor. His characteristically 'broken' voice makes for a very distinctive vocal style. Several of his songs are popular classics in France, including the sea tale "Dès que le vent soufflera", the irreverent "Laisse béton", the ballad "Morgane de toi" and the nostalgic "Mistral gagnant". However, with the exception of a recording of "Miss Maggie" in English and a franglais recording of It is not because you are, his work is almost unknown outside the French-speaking world. more »

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Written by: Jean-Pierre Bucolo, Renaud Sechan

Lyrics © CECI CELA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artists Behind the Song
"Manhattan-Kaboul" is a duet performed by the Belgian singer Axelle Red and French singer Renaud. Axelle Red is known for her soulful genre whereas Renaud is recognized for his 'tough yet sentimental' portrayal of the world in his songs.
Year of Release
The song was released in 2002, and was part of Renaud's album "Boucan d'enfer", making it as one of his biggest hits post-2000s.
Lyrical Themes
The song is a "song of circumstance," with lyrics describing two casualties of 2001—the World Trade Center attacks and the Afghan war. It presents the tragedy from the perspective of a small Afghan girl and a Puerto Rican worker in New York.
Nuanced Meaning
The title "Manhattan-Kaboul" represents the vast geographical, economic, and socio-cultural gap between a prosperous western city (Manhattan, New York) and a war-ravaged eastern city (Kaboul/Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan).
Chart Performance
"Manhattan-Kaboul" achieved a huge commercial success. It topped the singles charts in Belgium and France, staying as number one in the French Singles Chart for twelve weeks and selling more than a million copies.
Awards
This poignant song also earned Axelle Red and Renaud the best song award at the 2003 Victoires de la Musique, as well as a NRJ Music Award for "Francophone Song of the Year" in 2003.
Cultural Impact
Due to its thematic exploration of conflict, grief, and humanity, the song and its message are often discussed in forums, media, and educational settings even after many years of its release.
Music Video
The song's music video, directed by Sylvain White, added another layer of depth to the already emotional narrative of the song. It features the singers as photojournalists, experiencing the tragic events firsthand.
Cover Versions
"Manhattan-Kaboul" has been covered by various artists over the years, demonstrating its ongoing relevance and artistic influence.
Live Performances
The song made an impactful impression when performed live, including at the 2003 Victoires de la Musique ceremony. Renaud also included the song in the setlist of his 'Phenix Tour' in 2016-17.

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