Manhattan-Kaboul
| Company type | Song |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | Renaud, Jean-Pierre Bucolo |
| Products | Music single |
Manhattan-Kaboul is a French track penned by Renaud with music composed by Jean-Pierre Bucolo, performed as a duet featuring Axelle Red. It appears on the 2002 album Boucan d'enfer. This song was created as a reaction to the September 11 attacks and the War in Afghanistan (2001–14), gaining considerable commercial popularity in France and Belgium, where it reached the top five positions. By August 2014, it stood as the 67th highest-selling single of the 21st century in France, having sold 355,000 copies.
Synopsis
The narrative unfolds through the voices of two individuals affected in 2001: a young Puerto Rican employed at New York City's World Trade Center (1973–2001) (represented by Renaud) and an Afghan girl who lost her life amid coalition strikes (sung by Axelle Red).
Employing symbolic and nuanced religious references—such as "l'autel" (the altar), "les dieux" (the gods), and "les religions"—the lyrics highlight civilian hardships without directly naming terrorism or political issues. It offers a critique of how faiths, conflicts, and nations manipulate ordinary citizens for their own agendas.
Awards
The composition earned the title "Original Song of the Year" at the Victoires de la Musique in 2003 and was also awarded "French Song of the Year" at the NRJ Music Awards in the same year.
Cover versions and television performances
- In 2003, Patrick Coutin, recognized for his 1981 hit "J'aime regarder les filles," recorded a cover for the French show Retour gagnant, with Universal Music releasing it on CD.
- On October 30, 2004, Renaud delivered a performance of "Manhattan-Kaboul" alongside 500 vocalists from the choir "Les Fous chantants" based in Alès, featured on 500 Choristes ensemble broadcasted by TF1.
- The song has been interpreted by Joan Baez as well.
- Philippe Berizzi produced an Esperanto translation with authorized consent.
- Laurent Gerra created a parody titled "Washington-Bagdad."
Track listings
- CD single
- "Manhattan-Kaboul" — 3:52
- "Tout Arrêter..." — 3:21
Weekly charts
| Chart (2002) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) | 34 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) | 4 |
| Europe (Eurochart Hot 100 Singles) | 8 |
| France (SNEP) | 2 |
| Switzerland (Swiss Singles Chart) | 37 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (2002) | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) | 15 |
| Europe (Eurochart Hot 100 Singles) | 31 |
| France (Airplay Chart) | 6 |
| France (TV Music Videos Chart) | 35 |
| France (SNEP) | 9 |