L'enfant Au Tambour

Mireille Mathieu's song "L'enfant Au Tambour" tells a poignant and touching story of a young boy who embarks on a journey with his drum, driven by the rhythm of his heart and the memory of his father. The repetitive and rhythmic use of "parapampampam" mimics the sound of a drum, creating a sense of movement and urgency. This rhythmic pattern not only underscores the boy's physical journey but also his emotional quest to reconnect with his father, who has gone off to war.

The lyrics reveal that the boy's father followed the drum of the soldiers, symbolizing his departure to the battlefield. The boy, in his innocence and hope, believes that by playing his drum, he can somehow bring his father back. This act of drumming becomes a metaphor for his longing and the hope that his father will return. The boy's journey is not just a physical one but also a spiritual quest, as he expresses a desire to go to heaven, perhaps to find solace or to be reunited with his father.

In the final verses, the song takes on a mystical and comforting tone. The angels, with their beautiful drums, tell the boy that his father has returned. This moment can be interpreted as a dream or a heavenly vision, where the boy finds peace and closure. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the boy awakening to the sound of his drum, symbolizing the enduring connection between him and his father. Mireille Mathieu's emotive delivery and the song's lyrical simplicity make "L'enfant Au Tambour" a timeless tale of love, loss, and the power of hope.