Accordion Player
Voltaire Lyrics


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There was once an accordion player who didn't go to war.
His mother said I know all you wanna do is play but can't you see what's going on?
It's not about you anymore,
It's not about you anymore.
It's not about you anymore,
It's not about you anymore.
It's not about you anymore,
It's not about you anymore.

And so he stayed and played at home until they burned it down.
And when there was no bench to sit on he would just sit on the ground.
And when he held his wounded friend in his arms and death was all around.
He said,
It's not about you anymore,
It's not about you anymore.
It's not about you anymore,
It's not about you anymore.
It's not about you anymore,
It's not about you anymore.

Oh Mother, I could die a hero and bring glory to our home.
And what would you do in a house full of glory if you had to live there alone,
Live there alone,
Live there alone,
Live there alone,
Live there alone
So I'd rather play this song.
I want to die playing,
I want to die playing,
I want to die playing,
I want to die playing,
I want to die playing,
I want to die playing,
I want to die playing,
I want to die playing,




I want to die playing,
I want to die playing.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Accordion Player" by Voltaire tell the story of a talented musician who desires nothing more than to play his instrument. However, when his country goes to war, his mother urges him to participate in the fighting. The accordion player responds by saying that the war is no longer about him, but when his home is burned down, and he holds his dying friend, he says that it is still not about him anymore.


The song encapsulates the conflict that arises when an individual's desires conflict with their responsibilities. The accordion player wants to pursue music, but he also feels a sense of duty towards his country. He ultimately chooses his passion over his responsibilities, even when it could cost him his life.


The repeated refrain of "It's not about you anymore" acts as a reminder that the greater good must take precedence over the individual's wants and desires. The final verse sees the accordion player dedicated to continuing to play music, even in the face of death. He would rather die doing what he loves than live in a world where his desires are disregarded.


Overall, "Accordion Player" is a poignant commentary on the sacrifices that individuals must make when they are part of a larger community or society. It reminds us that we must all be willing to set aside our individual desires for the greater good.


Line by Line Meaning

There was once an accordion player who didn't go to war.
There was a musician who chose not to fight in the war.


His mother said I know all you wanna do is play but can't you see what's going on?
His mother asked him to consider the gravity of the situation and not prioritize music above all else.


It's not about you anymore,
The situation is bigger than just the musician.


And so he stayed and played at home until they burned it down.
The musician continued to play music at home despite the chaos and destruction of the war.


And when there was no bench to sit on he would just sit on the ground.
He made do with what he had, even if it was just the ground to sit on.


And when he held his wounded friend in his arms and death was all around.
He comforted his friend in a time of need despite the danger around him.


Oh Mother, I could die a hero and bring glory to our home.
The musician's mother wanted him to be a war hero and bring honor to their family.


And what would you do in a house full of glory if you had to live there alone,
The musician questions the value of glory if he were to lose everything he loved.


So I'd rather play this song.
In the face of war and death, the musician chooses to play music.


I want to die playing,
The musician desires to continue playing music until the very end.




Contributed by Levi T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

dreamer4everurs

This song makes me picture everything ending except my passion. Even if the scenery would be sad and horrible. That passion of doing what i want at the end is more then enough. Deep thoughts come listening to this.

Hillary Sweeney

Neither version is better than the other. Serious love to Julia for such a cosmic gut punching poignancy. Serious love to Voltaire for recognizing her and ending the song the way we all wanted it without knowing it.

Song Salieri

i don't even have to say my thoughts, you said it for me, Thank you, Hillary, well said.

Kate Ferdon

I always think of the first and second times through "it's not about you anymore" as being fundamentally different. The first time, he is being chastised. The second time, he's talking to himself in disbelief, because he's trying to accept that he won't be following along with his best friend's stupid ideas. He's trying to come to terms with the fact that he won't have his arrogant (but still loved) best friend around anymore.

clement wolf

always makes me think of the thought the first soldier must have had that went over the trench , during the Christmas truce

Satchamo

Man I forgot how fucking solid this whole album is.

The Lair of Voltaire

Agreed! The original version of this song by Julia Marcell made me cry!

Dušan Čiča

Amazing cover Voltaire!

Erasyl Prime

haunting and soulful as usual. Just beautiful.

AdidasGangster The Gamer

This would be so awesome to hear Live, with a full band. ❤

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