Tour De France 03
Kraftwerk Lyrics
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The Cote d'Azur and Saint Tropez
The Alps and the Pyrenees
Last stage Champs-Elysees
Galibier and Tourmalet
Dancing even on the top
Bicycling at high gear
Final sprint at the finish
Flat tire on the paving-stones
The bicycle is repaired quickly
The peloton is regrouped
Comrades and friendship
Kraftwerk's "Tour de France" is a poetic representation of the iconic French bicycle race with the same name. This song takes you through the journey of cycling across different terrains and landscapes of France. The lyrics describe the challenging parts of the race like the "Hell of Northern Paris- Roubaix," which is known for its cobbled stones that can be extremely grueling for cyclists. The song also mentions other favorite spots like the luxurious Cote d'Azur and Saint Tropez, the breathtaking Alps and Pyrenees mountain ranges, and the final Champs-Elysees stage. It's a celebration of the obstacles and beauty of cycling in France.
The lyrics also encapsulate the emotional highs and lows of the race. There's a reference to "dancing even on the top," which describes the adrenaline rush of cycling up steep inclines. The "final sprint at the finish" is a thrilling moment for cyclists to showcase their endurance and competitive spirit. However, the song doesn't shy away from the inevitable challenges that come with cycling, like a "flat tire on the paving stones." Still, the respect and camaraderie among cyclists is evident in the line, "comrades and friendship."
Line by Line Meaning
The hell of Northern Paris - Roubaix
Referring to the grueling 40 kilometer cobblestone stretch in the Northern France bicycling race, known as the 'Hell of the North'
The Cote d'Azur and Saint Tropez
Reference to the start of the Tour de France in the glamorous Cote d'Azur and the finish line in the picturesque coastal town of St. Tropez
The Alps and the Pyrenees
The mountain ranges that are part of the challenging route of the Tour de France
Last stage Champs-Elysees
Refers to the final and most prestigious stage of the tour, where the cyclists ride along the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris
Galibier and Tourmalet
References two of the toughest mountain passes in the tour, that the cyclists need to conquer to win the race
Dancing even on the top
Refers to the way the cyclists ride on their bicycles, swaying side to side, even when they reach the top of a mountain
Bicycling at high gear
Cyclists gear up to ride harder, faster and smoother on the undulating terrain
Final sprint at the finish
The intense last 'sprint' by cyclists at the finish line, trying to outpace other contenders to win the race
Flat tire on the paving-stones
A mishap that can occur to a cyclist on the treacherous cobblestone pavement of certain stages in the guise of sharp edges and rugged cobbles that may puncture a tire
The bicycle is repaired quickly
Refers to the highly skilled mechanics employed by cycling teams, who are able to make quick repairs to the cyclists' bicycles even while the race is on
The peloton is regrouped
The main group of cyclists that are able to catch up with the leaders and try to win the race together
Comrades and friendship
Refers to the camaraderie among cyclists, who are not only fiercely competing against one another but are also able to share a sense of brotherhood and unity
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRITZ HILPERT, RALF HUETTER, MAXIME SCHMITT, FLORIAN SCHNEIDER-ESLEBEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind