Manhattan-Kaboul Explained

Manhattan-Kaboul
Cover:RenaudAxelleRedManhattanKaboulCDSingleCover.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Renaud and Axelle Red
Album:Boucan d'enfer
B-Side:Tout Arrêter
Released:2002
Genre:Pop, rock
Length:3:52
Label:Ceci-Celà
Producer:Jean-Pierre Bucolo
Chronology:Renaud
Prev Title:Docteur Renaud, Mister Renard
Prev Year:2002
Next Title:Cœur perdu
Next Year:2002

"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 album Boucan d'enfer (2002). 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.[1]

Synopsis

In the song, two victims of the events of 2001 sing about their situations and the causes of their death. Renaud sings as a young Puerto Rican who works in the World Trade Center in New York City, destroyed on September 11. Axelle Red sings as a young Afghan girl killed during the attack by the coalition forces during the autumn of 2001.

The song utilizes symbolism and imagery, with a subtle religious undertone throughout. Though the song is about terrorism and its repercussions, it does not directly mention terrorism nor deal explicitly with political issues, focusing instead on civilian suffering caused by the events.

There are many religious images used throughout the song, such as "l'autel" (the altar), "les dieux" (the gods) and "les religions." The song concludes that religions, wars, and countries victimize ordinary people for their own purposes.[2]

Awards

The song was elected the "Original Song of the Year" at the Victoires de la Musique 2003 and the "French song of the Year" at NRJ Music Awards 2003.[3]

Cover versions and television performances

Track listings

CD single
  1. "Manhattan-Kaboul" — 3:52
  2. "Tout Arrêter..." — 3:21

Charts and sales

Peak positions

Chart (2002)Peak
position
Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart[6] 34
Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart4
European Singles Chart[7] 8
French SNEP Singles Chart2
Swiss Singles Chart37

Year-end charts

Chart (2002)Position
Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart[8] 15
French Airplay Chart[9] 6
French TV Music Videos Chart35
French Singles Chart[10] 9

Certifications

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Top 100 des singles les plus vendus du millénaire en France, épisode 4 (70-61) . Chartsinfrance . 2 August 2014 . 2014-08-27.
  2. Web site: French - English Manhattan-Kaboul lyrics. Lyrics Translate. 19 September 2011. 14 April 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110414220900/http://lyricstranslate.com/en/manhattan-kaboul-ft-axelle-red-manhattan-kabul.html. dead.
  3. Manhattan-Kaboul . . 26 May 2005 . Claire . Guillot . French . 13 September 2010.
  4. Web site: Retour gagnant, track listing . Lescharts . French . 9 April 2008.
  5. Web site: Lyrics of "Washington-Baghdad" . Abcmusiques . French . 9 April 2008.
  6. Web site: "Manhattan-Kaboul", Belgian, French and Swiss Singles Charts . Lescharts . French . 7 April 2008.
  7. Web site: "Manhattan-Kaboul", European charts . Top40-charts . 6 May 2008.
  8. Web site: 2002 Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart . Ultratop . French . 9 April 2008.
  9. Web site: 2002 French Airplay and Video Charts . Yacast . French . 17 May 2008.
  10. Web site: 2002 French Singles Chart . Disqueenfrance . French . 9 April 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175659/http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/page-259376.xml?year=2002 . 4 April 2012 .