"Butare" is a song by Gaël Faye, a French-Rwandan singer and author. The song tells the story of a day spent in the city of Butare, located in Rwanda. It depicts various scenes and moments throughout the day, capturing the ambiance and memories associated with the city. The lyrics describe the morning routine, with the sun shining, the rooster crowing, and the sound of a scratching broom. The protagonist's grandmother serves breakfast with margarine, bread, and tea while the radio is constantly babbling in the background. The walls are adorned with religious symbols, such as pictures of Jesus, and a fake flower vase sits on a doily. The song goes on to talk about the values and principles that the grandmother holds dear, such as respect, family, and marriage. The jacaranda tree, in full bloom, casts its shade over everything. The song emphasizes that it is not a sad song but rather a moment of pause, capturing the essence of a day in Butare. As noon arrives, the Angelus bell rings, and the air carries the scent of eucalyptus. The protagonist takes a walk with their grandparent along the grand boulevard under the canopy of trees. When the grandparent's stern face breaks into a smile, the jacaranda trees blossom. The protagonist longs to know more about a grandfather they have never met, someone the grandmother doesn't talk about. The afternoon passes slowly, and the grandparent's face is missed once again. The song repeats that it's not a sad song but rather a moment of pause, a day in Butare. As the sun sets, God returns to Rwanda, and the sky takes on the purple hues of jacaranda flowers. The bats begin their noisy antics, and dim lights start to illuminate the grand house where night falls. Unexpected friends visit, and conversations happen softly, discussing various people. The evening is spent sipping lemon tea and Amstel beer. The song ends with the protagonist leaving the next day for faraway France, expressing the love and longing they have for their grandmother. The lyrics emphasize that it's not a sad song but simply a pause, a moment of reflection in a day in Butare. Overall, "Butare" portrays the nostalgia, memories, and love connected to a day spent in the city of Butare, as well as the strong bond between the protagonist and their grandmother.
