☝️ Key Points
- Göttingen by Barbara is an emotional tribute to the city and a call for peace.
- The song draws a comparison between Paris and Göttingen, but shows a deep appreciation for the beauty and culture of Göttingen.
- Barbara emphasizes the similarity of all children, regardless of their geographical or cultural background.
- With an emotional appeal for peace, she expresses her wish that times of war and hatred never return.
- The song ends with the repetition of the chorus, highlighting Barbara's deep affection and emotional connection with Göttingen.
Interpretation
The song 'Göttingen' by
Barbara is a tribute to the city of Göttingen in Germany and a call for peace.
The opening lines, 'Bien sûr, ce n'est pas la Seine, Ce n'est pas le bois de Vincennes, Mais c'est bien joli tout de même, A Göttingen, à Göttingen.' establish a comparison between Paris and Göttingen. Barbara emphasizes that while Göttingen may not have the charm of Paris, it is still a beautiful city.
The lines 'Ils savent mieux que nous, je pense, L'histoire de nos rois de France' and 'Et que personne ne s'offense, Mais les contes de notre enfance, 'Il était une fois' commence A Göttingen.' show an appreciation for German culture and education. She appreciates the fact that people in Göttingen know a lot about French history and culture.
'Et tant pis pour ceux qui s'étonnent Et que les autres me pardonnent, Mais les enfants ce sont les mêmes, A Paris ou à Göttingen.' In these lines, Barbara emphasizes the similarity of all children, regardless of their geographical or cultural background.
'O faites que jamais ne revienne Le temps du sang et de la haine Car il y a des gens que j'aime, A Göttingen, à Göttingen.' is an emotional plea for peace. She wishes that the times of bloodshed and hatred never return, as there are people in Göttingen whom she loves.
The song ends with the repetition of the chorus, underscoring the significance of Göttingen to Barbara. She shows deep emotions for the city and its inhabitants, and emphasizes that she would be willing to cry for Göttingen if war and conflict were to arise again.