Le Beirut

Fairuz's 'Le Beirut' is a poignant tribute to the city of Beirut, capturing its beauty, resilience, and the pain it has endured. The song opens with a heartfelt greeting to Beirut, describing it as a place of peace and beauty, with its houses and sea. The imagery of the sea and rocks evokes a sense of timelessness and strength, suggesting that Beirut's essence is deeply rooted in its people's spirit, symbolized by wine, bread, and jasmine. These elements represent the cultural richness and the everyday life of the city's inhabitants.

As the song progresses, Fairuz laments the transformation of Beirut, where its food has turned into fire and smoke, a metaphor for the destruction and suffering caused by conflict. This stark contrast between the city's past and present highlights the devastating impact of war on its once vibrant and peaceful life. The mention of 'majdon min ramaden' (glory from ashes) and 'dame le waladen' (blood of a child) further emphasizes the sacrifices and losses endured by the people of Beirut.

In the final verses, Fairuz's plea to Beirut is both personal and collective. She speaks of the city's isolation, with its lights extinguished and doors closed, symbolizing a sense of abandonment and solitude. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope as she addresses Beirut directly, urging it to rise again. The repeated phrase 'ante le' (you are mine) signifies a deep, unwavering connection to the city, despite its wounds. The song ends on a note of resilience, with the imagery of flags, stones of tomorrow, and waves of travelers, suggesting that Beirut's spirit will endure and bloom once more, despite the scars of its past.