Belfast

Mägo de Oz's song 'Belfast' delves into the historical and emotional turmoil experienced by the people of Belfast, Northern Ireland. The repeated lines 'Got to have a believin'' and 'When the people believin'' emphasize the necessity of hope and faith amidst adversity. The song reflects on the mass exodus of people, particularly children, due to the ongoing conflict and strife in the region. This departure is not just physical but also emotional, as the community grapples with the loss of its younger generation and the hope they represent.

The chorus, with its haunting repetition of 'Belfast,' underscores the city's identity as a place marked by division and historical grievances. The line 'When the country rings the leaving bell you're lost' poignantly captures the sense of abandonment and disorientation felt by those who remain. The song suggests that the deep-seated hatred stemming from past conflicts continues to fuel the cycle of violence and separation. The plea to 'try to tell the world the reason why' indicates a desire for understanding and reconciliation, yet it also acknowledges the complexity and difficulty of conveying the depth of the region's pain.

Mägo de Oz, known for their fusion of folk, metal, and rock, uses 'Belfast' to highlight the broader theme of change and deception. The lyrics 'It's the country that's changin'' and 'It's the world that's deceivin'' suggest a transformation that is both inevitable and disheartening. The song paints a picture of a community in flux, struggling to hold onto its identity and hope in the face of external and internal pressures. Through 'Belfast,' Mägo de Oz not only pays tribute to the resilience of the people but also calls for a collective effort to heal and move forward from the shadows of the past.