Manhattan-Kaboul

"Manhattan-Kaboul"
Song
B-side	"Tout Arrêter"

Manhattan-Kaboul is a French song written by Renaud and composed by Jean-Pierre Bucolo, sung by Renaud in duo with Axelle Red, in the album Boucan d'enfer, released in 2002. It was written in the aftermath of the incidents of September 11, 2001 and the War in Afghanistan. The song was elected the "Original Song of the Year" at the Victoires de la Musique 2003 and the "French song of the Year" at NRJ Music Awards 2003.

In the text, two victims of the events of 2001 sing about their situations and the causes of their death. Renaud sings as a Puerto-Rican who works in the World Trade Center in New York, destroyed on September 11. Axelle Red sings as a young Afghan girl killed during the attack of the coalition forces during the Autumn of 2001.

Symbolism and imagery

The song utilises very good symbolism and imagery, with a subtle religious undertone throughout the song. The reason for this may be to illustrate that terrorism comes as a result of religion. Even though the song is about terrorism and its repercussions, it does not directly mention terrorism, but again symbolism is used as a metaphor; "La Violence Eternelle," which translated to English, is "the Eternal Violence."

There are many religious aspects throughout the song: some are disguised but others are blatantly obvious, such as l'autel (the altar), les dieux (the gods) and les religions.

Tracklist

CD single

1. "Manhattan-Kaboul" (3:52)
2. "Tout arrêter..." (3:21)

Charts

Chart (2002)	Peak position
Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart	34
Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart	4
French Singles Chart	2
Swiss Singles Chart	37