Paris La Nuit (Ronde de Nuit)

Mano Negra's song "Paris La Nuit (Ronde de Nuit)" paints a vivid and somber picture of Paris during the night. The lyrics describe a city that has fallen into a state of lifelessness and submission, where the only sound piercing the silence is the cry of an old homeless man under the Pont Marie. The streets are devoid of life, with only guards patrolling, and the once-vibrant Apache gang members are now imprisoned. This eerie calmness is depicted as so overwhelming that it feels rotten, suggesting a deep sense of decay and stagnation within the city.

The song also carries a strong political undertone, calling out the tyranny and oppression that the people of Paris face. The reference to the French national anthem, "Allons enfants de la patrie," invokes a sense of patriotism and resistance against the ruling powers, described as buffoons and a baron who reigns over the city hall. This critique highlights the disillusionment with the current leadership and the longing for a return to a more spirited and free Paris.

In the final verses, the song laments the death of Paris's nightlife, attributing its demise to a bandit who has stolen its vibrant, sleepless nights. The mention of Arletty, a famous French actress known for her roles in films that celebrated Parisian life, serves as a nostalgic plea to revive the city's lost charm and vitality. The repeated assertion that "Paris va crever d'ennui" (Paris will die of boredom) underscores the profound sense of loss and yearning for the city's former glory.