Citoyens du Monde

Hk Et Les Saltimbanks' song "Citoyens du Monde" is a powerful anthem advocating for a world without borders, where humanity transcends nationalistic and materialistic divides. The lyrics express a deep disdain for the constructs of nations, armies, and economic exploitation. The artist rejects the idea of having a homeland, a president, or an army, instead aligning with those who fight for love and against the laws of money. This sentiment is encapsulated in the line, "Je n'ai pas d'autre armée que celle de ceux qui veulent combattre pour l'amour en dépit des lois de l'argent," which translates to, "I have no other army than those who want to fight for love despite the laws of money."

The song critiques the arbitrary distinctions made between 'good' and 'bad' foreigners, highlighting the hypocrisy and prejudice inherent in such judgments. The artist points out that the 'good' foreigner is welcomed with open arms, while the 'bad' one is chased away. This dichotomy is a reflection of societal biases that favor those who are deemed useful or non-threatening. The lyrics also take a jab at the economic and political systems that prioritize wealth and power over human dignity, as seen in the line, "Si tu cherchais la brute, va là où on parle dollar cash et pétrole brut," meaning, "If you were looking for the brute, go where they talk cash dollars and crude oil."

The song's chorus, "Citoyens du monde, partisan d'un monde sans frontières," or "Citizens of the world, supporters of a world without borders," serves as a rallying cry for global unity and equality. The artist envisions a world where the earth belongs to everyone or no one at all, rejecting the scars of past conquests and the sacrifices made in vain. The lyrics lament the loss of soldiers sent to die for causes that ultimately serve the interests of the powerful, while the true victory is celebrated far from the battlefield. This vision is poignantly summarized in the line, "Par-delà les frontières la terre doit appartenir à tous ou à personne," which means, "Beyond borders, the earth must belong to everyone or to no one."