Wight Is Wight

Michel Delpech's song 'Wight Is Wight' is a vibrant homage to the Isle of Wight Festival, a significant cultural event in the late 1960s that epitomized the spirit of the hippie movement. The repetitive chorus, 'Wight is Wight, Dylan is Dylan, Wight is Wight, Viva Donovan,' underscores the importance of iconic figures like Bob Dylan and Donovan, who were influential in the music scene and the counterculture of the time. The festival itself is likened to a 'sun in the gray sky,' symbolizing a beacon of hope and freedom amidst the mundane or oppressive aspects of everyday life.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the festival-goers arriving 'without luggage and barefoot,' emphasizing their carefree and liberated lifestyle. This imagery of a 'cyclone unexpected' and 'a rain of butterflies' conveys the sudden and beautiful impact of the festival, bringing a sense of wonder and transformation. The song captures the essence of the hippie ethos, celebrating individuality, freedom, and a break from societal norms.

Delpech also addresses the theme of judgment and personal freedom with the lines, 'Toi qui a voulu t'emprisonner, As tu le droit de condamner, Celui qui cherche à s'évader.' This translates to 'You who wanted to imprison yourself, Do you have the right to condemn, The one who seeks to escape.' It’s a poignant reminder that everyone has the right to live their life as they choose, without being judged by others. The song's repetitive and joyful 'Hippie, hippie, pie' chant further reinforces the celebratory and inclusive nature of the festival and the broader hippie movement.

'Wight Is Wight' is not just a song but a cultural statement, encapsulating the spirit of an era that valued peace, love, and music as tools for social change and personal liberation.