☝️ Key Points
- The song tells the experiences of an indigenous man in a world occupied by whites.
- It addresses the loss of indigenous culture and traditions.
- The protagonist expresses his desire for revenge and resistance against oppression.
- The song emphasizes pride in indigenous identity and the desire for justice.
- It expresses longing for the lost culture.
Interpretation
"L'Indien" by
Gilbert Becaud is a song that tells the experiences and feelings of an indigenous man living in a world occupied by whites. The protagonist remembers the times when his small village Yucatapa existed and how it was transformed into New York by white settlers. He emphasizes that his name is Aigle Noir and that his son will also be named that. This symbolizes the pride and connection to his indigenous identity that he has preserved despite assimilation and name changes.
The lyrics also address the loss of indigenous culture and traditions. The protagonist laments how the whites have polluted their women and rivers, flooded their land, and burned their gods. He feels alienated from society and made invisible, as an Indian he does not receive respect without his feathers. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that the whites are in his land, in Yucatapa, and that he does not exist.
The song also expresses the desire for revenge and resistance against oppression. The protagonist dreams of flying over the corrupt city and seeing his homeland, the green island of Yucatapa. He imagines shooting an arrow at Mr. Rockefeller, which symbolizes the downfall of the rulers.
Overall, "L'Indien" is a song that addresses the history and pain of indigenous peoples colonized by whites. It expresses pride in indigenous identity, the desire for justice, and the longing for the lost culture."