"Bombs Away" by Charlotte Gainsbourg is a song that delves into themes of destruction, chaos, and the cyclical nature of history. The lyrics paint a picture of two iconic cities, Paris and London, being ravaged by war and turmoil. The song begins with the Queen marching back to Paris and the priests preparing for rites, indicating a return of power or authority. However, the line "Another animal gets drowned in the Seine" symbolizes the loss and suffering that occurs during conflicts. The phrase "Enemies, enemies will never be friends" suggests that the divisions and conflicts between people will always persist. The city's artifacts being thrown into bags and the safe being blown apart portray the disarray and destruction caused by war. "Another diver's got a case of the bends" refers to the physical consequences of war, highlighting the toll it takes on individuals. As the song shifts to London, the new regime prepares for a fight, and another animal is drowned in the Thames. The lyrics convey a sense of impending doom as the city awaits the Blitz, a series of devastating air raids during World War II. The line "Babylon's burning and a dynasty ends" emphasizes the fall of empires and the destruction of established systems. Throughout the song, "Bombs away" serves as a repeated refrain, illustrating the ongoing pain and shock caused by conflicts. References to Gomorrah, an ancient city associated with sin and destruction in religious texts, further emphasize the theme of chaos and disorder. In the final verses, the song reflects on the narrator's experiences of trying to escape the turmoil and destruction. Despite their attempts, they find themselves trapped with their "back to the wall." The explosions mentioned in the lyrics symbolize the unpredictable nature of war and its impact on the individual. Overall, "Bombs Away" is a contemplative song that explores the destructive aspects of human history and its repetitive cycles of war and turmoil.
