Né En 17 À Leidenstadt

The song "Né En 17 À Leidenstadt" by Goldman & Jones Frederickx delves into the profound moral questions that arise from historical contexts and human nature. The lyrics ponder the hypothetical scenarios of being born in different times and places, such as 1917 in Leidenstadt, amidst the ruins of a battlefield. The central question is whether the narrator would have been better or worse than the people of that era, particularly if they had been German. This introspection highlights the influence of environment and upbringing on one's actions and moral choices.

The song continues to explore various historical and geographical contexts, such as growing up in the docklands of Belfast or being born white and rich in Johannesburg. Each scenario presents a moral dilemma, questioning whether the narrator would have had the strength to go against their own people or to hear the cries of the oppressed. These reflections emphasize the complexity of human nature and the difficulty of making ethical choices in challenging circumstances.

The recurring theme is the uncertainty of knowing what truly lies within us—whether we possess the soul of a brave person, a complicit bystander, or a perpetrator. The song suggests that our true nature is often hidden behind our appearances and that we may never know how we would act until we are faced with such situations. The final plea is for the hope that neither the narrator nor the listener will ever have to choose a side in such dire circumstances, underscoring the desire for peace and understanding in a world fraught with conflict and moral ambiguity.