The Troubles
SANCHEZ Charlotte & VALENTIN Louna
Introduction
The Northern Ireland knows a dificult period in it history, begining by the battle of Bogside, The Troubles which is a political and secterian conflict start because of this battle. During this time, British troups came in Northern Ireland and killed unarmed civils, this event named "Bloody Sunday". The population of Northern Ireland have suffered a very violent and dark period of time. Many artists want to denounce this terrible and unfair evennt by their arts as Elton JOHN and Phil COULTER. Their songs "Belfast" and "The town I loved so well" take a poetic and melancolic approach. Together they highlight the pain and hope tied to Northern Ireland's history.
Elton JOHN is one of the most iconic and talented musicians of the 20th century, and his legacy is proof of that. Throughout his lengthy career, Elton produced some of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching songs ever created, and none more so than his masterpiece “Belfast.” Its origin stems from a connection JOHN had to the Northern Irish capital, Belfast, and he used his deep emotional connection to the city to compose a song that speaks to its people.In his song Belfast, Elton JOHN attemps to view the situation through « Irish eyes ». The melody and the mood of this song reflect the longing and the hope for peace, in addition the tone and lyrics evoke the sadness and the resilience of Belfast’s people. Finally the violence and strife he associated with Belfast’s past, present, and future are essential inspirations for the song.
Belfast - Elton John
Phil Coulter born in Londonderry in Northern Ireland is a compositor, pianist and an Irish music producer. He grew up in a lively musical environment in Derry. Despite the economic hardships and challenges in the area, he fondly remembers a vibrant community and simple joys, such as playing in a local band. These memories are captured in the song's early verses. Coulter wrote this song in the 1970s, encouraged by Luke Kelly of The Dubliners to embrace more personal and meaningful themes in his music."The Town I Loved So Well" is a song written by Phil Coulter about his childhood in Derry, Northern Ireland. The first three verses are about the simple lifestyle he grew up with in Derry, while the final two deal with the Troubles, and lament how his placid home town had become a major military outpost, plagued with violence. The latter part of the song conveys Coulter's heartbreak over the violence and destruction brought by the Troubles, a period of sectarian conflict that affected Derry. Without assigning political blame, Coulter highlights the resilience of the city's people His lyrics reflect both his personal grief and a universal longing for reconciliation and healing. And the final verse includes also a message of hope for a "bright, brand new day", saying "They will not forget but their hearts are set / on tomorrow and peace once again".
The town I loved so well - Phil Coulter
Betty WILLIAMS, peace activist
“I didn't think about the question of a united Ireland. I was only concerned by what I saw in front of me, by what was happening to Catholics. There was injustice everywhere. The whole system seemed corrupt."
Both songs explore the cost of conflict loss and the yearning for peace. Similarly, the two authors argue as calls for unity and humanity in the face of division. While Phil COULTER describe his own testimony, Elton JOHN take distance of the situation and focusing on the cultural and emotional scars of the city. Unlike Elton JOHN's universal message, COULTER's song is more nostalgic, remembering the peaceful days before the conflict. Despite these difference both songs are powerful in the impact of war and division.
Cross-Analysis
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