Amadou and Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Maria… Read Full Bio ↴Amadou and Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Mariam Doumbia (vocals) (born in Mali's capital Bamako 15 April 1958) and Amadou Bagayoko (guitar and vocals) (born in Bamako 24 October 1954). The pair, known as "the blind couple from Mali" met at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind, and found they shared an interest in music.

The duo produces music that mixes traditional Mali sound with rock guitars, Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets, Egyptian ney, Colombian trombones, Indian tablas and Dogon percussion. All these elements put together have been referred to as "Afro-blues".

In 2004 they put out an acclaimed album produced by Manu Chao.

In 2006 they were acknowledged with BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music in the two categories: Africa and Album of the Year (for the "Dimanche à Bamako" release).

www.amadou-mariam.com

Dans ce Monde Troublé
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

"Friends what we gonna do with this
troubled world, problems everywhere
from north to south, from east to west"
Oh mes amis, oh mes frères
Le monde est difficile, la vie est invivable
Les parents sont séparés, l
es frères sont divisés, les amitiés disloquées
Que vais-je dire, que vais-je faire

Où allons-nous dans ce monde troublé
Dans ce monde troublé, dans ce monde troublé
Les parents sont séparés, l
es frères sont divisés, les amitiés disloquées
Que vais-je dire, que vais-je faire
Où allons-nous dans ce monde troublé
Dans ce monde troublé, dans ce monde troublé
Des guerres partout, des attentats partout, des bombes partout
Que vais-je dire, que vais-je faire
Où allons-nous dans ce monde troublé
Dans ce monde troublé, dans ce monde troublé
Oh mes amis, oh mes frères
Le monde est difficile, la vie est invivable
Du nord au sud, de sud à l'ouest, de l'ouest à l'est
Que vais-je dire, que vais-je faire

Où allons-nous dans ce monde troublé
Dans ce monde troublé, dans ce monde troublé…

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Amadou & Mariam's song "Dans Ce Monde Troublé" expresses the frustration and confusion felt by the singers towards the state of the world. The opening lines "Friends what we gonna do with this troubled world, problems everywhere from north to south, from east to west" sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singers are questioning what they can do to make a positive impact on the world when there are problems and turmoil everywhere.

The song continues to discuss the impact of the world's troubles on personal relationships. The lines "Les parents sont séparés, les frères sont divisés, les amitiés disloquées" (Parents are separated, brothers are divided, friendships dislocated) addresses the interpersonal conflicts that arise due to political and social turmoil worldwide. The lyrics question how to navigate these conflicts in a world that is so uncertain.

The song also touches on the theme of helplessness in the face of global events. The lines "Des guerres partout, des attentats partout, des bombes partout" (Wars everywhere, attacks everywhere, bombs everywhere) express the overwhelming nature of the world's problems. The singers are questioning their ability to create a positive change in a world where there is so much chaos and destruction.

Overall, the song is a heartfelt plea for change and a desire for a better world where peace and harmony are the norm.

Line by Line Meaning

Friends what we gonna do with this troubled world, problems everywhere from north to south, from east to west
My dear friends, the world is difficult and life is unbearable. Parents are separated, brothers are divided, and friendships are broken. What can I say and what can I do? Where will we go in this world full of trouble, from the north to the south, from the east to the west, with problems everywhere?

Oh mes amis, oh mes frères Le monde est difficile, la vie est invivable Les parents sont séparés, les frères sont divisés, les amitiés disloquées Que vais-je dire, que vais-je faire Où allons-nous dans ce monde troublé Dans ce monde troublé, dans ce monde troublé
Oh my friends, oh my brothers, the world is difficult and life is unbearable. Parents are separated, brothers are divided, and friendships are broken. What can I say and what can I do? Where will we go in this world full of trouble? This world is troubled and full of difficulties.

Des guerres partout, des attentats partout, des bombes partout Que vais-je dire, que vais-je faire Où allons-nous dans ce monde troublé Dans ce monde troublé, dans ce monde troublé
There are wars everywhere, attacks are happening everywhere, and bombs are everywhere. What can I say and what can I do? Where will we go in this world full of trouble? This world is troubled and full of difficulties.

Du nord au sud, de sud à l'ouest, de l'ouest à l'est Que vais-je dire, que vais-je faire Où allons-nous dans ce monde troublé Dans ce monde troublé, dans ce monde troublé…
From the north to the south, from the south to the west, from the west to the east, what can I say and what can I do? Where will we go in this world full of trouble? This world is troubled and full of difficulties.

Writer(s): Amadou Bagayoko

Contributed by Christian A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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