Lise Altmann

Daniel Balavoine's song "Lise Altmann" is a poignant narrative that delves into the dark and unsettling realities of persecution and discrimination. The song is written from the perspective of a child who is trying to make sense of the sudden disappearance of their French teacher, Lise Altmann. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of confusion and fear as the child recounts how two men in long coats came to take Lise away, leaving the students and teachers in a state of shock and sorrow.

The song is set against the backdrop of a time when people were often targeted and arrested based on their identity, possibly alluding to the events of World War II and the Holocaust. The mention of Lise Altmann's name and the suggestion that her arrest might be due to her name or a denunciation highlights the arbitrary and unjust nature of such persecutions. The child's innocent questioning of why someone cannot have a certain name underscores the absurdity and cruelty of discrimination based on ethnicity or religion.

In the final verse, the narrative takes a personal turn as the child's mother reveals that the same fate has befallen the child's father. This revelation adds a layer of personal tragedy to the story, emphasizing the widespread impact of such injustices on families and communities. Balavoine's song serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of prejudice and the importance of remembering and learning from history to prevent such atrocities from happening again.