Fernand
Patrick Bruel Lyrics


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Can you hear the drums Fernando?
I remember long ago another starry night like this
In the firelight Fernando
You were humming to yourself and softly strumming your guitar
I could hear the distant drums
And sounds of bugle calls were coming from afar

They were closer now Fernando
Every hour every minute seemed to last eternally
I was so afraid Fernando
We were young and full of life and none of us prepared to die
And I'm not ashamed to say
The roar of guns and cannons almost made me cry

There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando
Though I never thought that we could lose
There's no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando

Now we're old and grey Fernando
And since many years I haven't seen a rifle in your hand
Can you hear the drums Fernando?
Do you still recall the frightful night we crossed the Rio Grande?
I can see it in your eyes
How proud you were to fight for freedom in this land

There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando
Though I never thought that we could lose
There's no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando

There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando
Though I never thought that we could lose
There's no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando





Yes, if I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Patrick Bruel's song Fernando are a reflection on the memories of a man named Fernando and a momentous night that took place many years ago. The song starts with the singer recalling another night, similar to the one he is currently experiencing, where he and Fernando were sitting around a fire, with Fernando humming and playing the guitar softly in the background. As they sat there, the singer could hear the sounds of drums and bugle calls in the distance, coming ever closer.


The lyrics then paint a picture of fear and uncertainty, as the singer and Fernando realized that they were about to go to war. They were both young and full of life, and the thought of dying was overwhelming. But as they went to battle, the stars were shining bright, and the singer reveals that they were fighting for freedom, for liberty. Despite the fear, there is no regret because if he had to do the same again, he would, for his friend Fernando.


The song turns introspective in the final verse, as the singer reflects on how many years have passed since that unforgettable night. Fernando, too, is old and gray, and hasn't held a rifle in many years. The song ends with the same sentiment: if he had to do it all again, he would, for his friend Fernando.


Line by Line Meaning

Can you hear the drums Fernando?
Asking if the titular character can hear the sounds of approaching war.


I remember long ago another starry night like this
The singer recalls a similar night, setting the stage for the events to come.


In the firelight Fernando
Describing the surroundings of the present moment of storytelling.


You were humming to yourself and softly strumming your guitar
Painting a picture of Fernando's peaceful demeanor in the face of impending war.


I could hear the distant drums
Continuing to set the scene by hinting at the approaching conflict.


And sounds of bugle calls were coming from afar
Adding more ominous foreshadowing of the upcoming battle.


They were closer now Fernando
Confirming that the sounds of war are indeed getting nearer.


Every hour every minute seemed to last eternally
Describing the anxiety of waiting for the inevitable conflict to arrive.


I was so afraid Fernando
The artist admits to being scared in the face of this danger.


We were young and full of life and none of us prepared to die
Contrasting how young and naive they were with the harsh reality of war.


And I'm not ashamed to say
The singer is comfortable admitting emotional vulnerability.


The roar of guns and cannons almost made me cry
Describing the overwhelming emotions of hearing the violence of war.


There was something in the air that night
Referring to a sense of foreboding, but also the potential for hope.


The stars were bright, Fernando
Contrasting the impending darkness of war with the beauty of starry skies.


They were shining there for you and me
Suggesting that the stars were a symbol of hope and unity for all involved in the conflict.


For liberty, Fernando
Connecting the fight for freedom with the impending battle.


Though I never thought that we could lose
Expressing a confidence that victory is inevitable.


There's no regret
Asserting that there is no shame or second thoughts in their actions.


If I had to do the same again
Reflecting on the past with a sense of loyalty and duty.


I would, my friend, Fernando
A statement of commitment to whatever was necessary for the fight for freedom.


Now we're old and grey Fernando
Describing a moment in the far-off future where the characters are older and wiser.


And since many years I haven't seen a rifle in your hand
Implying that the conflict has ended, and the characters are no longer soldiers.


Do you still recall the frightful night we crossed the Rio Grande?
Asking if Fernando still remembers the night of their harrowing journey across a dangerous border.


I can see it in your eyes
Suggesting that both characters are still profoundly affected by their shared experiences in war.


How proud you were to fight for freedom in this land
Recalling their shared commitment to fighting for freedom.


Yes, if I had to do the same again
Reiterating the commitment to fighting for freedom and the necessity of their actions.


I would, my friend, Fernando...
Closing the song with a final declaration of loyalty to this fight for freedom.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STIG ERIK LEOPOLD ANDERSON, BENNY GORAN BROR ANDERSSON, BJOERN K. ULVAEUS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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