Song meaning of Bidonville by Gad Elmaleh (Ft. Angélique Kidjo & Ibrahim Maalouf)

The song "Bidonville" by Gad Elmaleh, featuring Angélique Kidjo and Ibrahim Maalouf, tells a story about a city called Bidon, which is a slum. The lyrics depict the harsh reality of living in poverty-stricken neighborhoods, emphasizing the struggles and hardships faced by the inhabitants.

In the first verse, Gad Elmaleh describes the difficult living conditions, where girls sell their bodies to survive and people have to push aside grass to sleep. The depiction of a ball being replaced by a tin of sardines highlights the limited resources and lack of opportunities for the children growing up in this environment.

The chorus calls for unity and solidarity, as Elmaleh asks for a hand from someone coming from a different country where people are beautiful, suggesting that despite their differences, they can still believe in equality.

In the second verse, Elmaleh questions the purpose of losing oneself in the cities and communities of poverty. He expresses the feeling of always seeing hardship and negativity, even in the beautiful aspects of life, like the blue sea. This reinforces the idea that the struggles and stigma of living in a slum are difficult to escape.

The song ends with a hopeful outlook in the outro, expressing anticipation for a time when they can talk, embrace, and enjoy the beauty of nature together. This final section suggests a longing for a better future and a sense of hope and longing for a time when equality and happiness can be achieved.

Overall, "Bidonville" conveys a powerful message about the challenges faced by those living in poverty and the desire for unity and hope for a better tomorrow. It reminds listeners of the importance of empathy, understanding, and working towards a more equal society.