Fais Tomber La Pluie
François Feldman
A Cry for Rain: François Feldman's Plea for Africa
François Feldman's song "Fais Tomber La Pluie" is a poignant and evocative plea for relief and salvation for Africa, a continent depicted as suffering from severe drought and desolation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a land where the softness and warmth have vanished, replaced by dust and unbearable heat. The imagery of dried-up wells and scorched earth underscores the dire need for rain, symbolizing hope and renewal in a place where despair seems to have taken root.
The chorus, with its repeated call to a "sorcier de la nuit" (sorcerer of the night) to make the rain fall, serves as a powerful metaphor for seeking a miraculous intervention to save lives and halt the spread of the desert. This plea is not just for physical rain but also for a metaphorical cleansing and rejuvenation of the land and its people. The song highlights the harsh realities faced by those living in these conditions, where wars, religions, and societal norms have lost their meaning, and survival has become the primary concern.
Feldman also touches on the broader implications of this suffering, noting how the world seems indifferent to the plight of African children, who are likened to falling leaves, insignificant compared to the wealth generated by diamond mines. This stark contrast between the suffering of the many and the opulence of the few adds a layer of social and political commentary to the song, urging listeners to recognize and respond to the cries of Africa. The repeated refrain, "L'Afrique est un cri" (Africa is a cry), encapsulates the essence of the song, emphasizing the urgent need for attention and action.
"Fais Tomber La Pluie" is a heartfelt and urgent call to address the environmental and humanitarian crises in Africa, blending vivid imagery with a deep emotional appeal to inspire change and compassion.