Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of willful ignorance and self-serving opportunism amidst widespread conflict. The opening spoken lines immediately establish a tone of denial, with characters dismissing the reality of war as something happening "for other people." This sets up a central theme of detachment, where personal comfort and gain are prioritized over any broader societal or human cost. The repeated refrain, "Let the world turn, let the world burn," underscores this apathy, suggesting a conscious decision to remain uninvolved and to simply "get our share" regardless of the devastation. The narrative then shifts to highlight specific instances of this self-interest, particularly through the lens of collaboration and profiteering. The mention of Coco Chanel with a "German general" and the subsequent desire to emulate her "good for Chanel" attitude reveals a transactional approach to relationships and allegiances. This is further emphasized by the casual discussion of acquiring "gas" and "trucks," framing wartime scarcity as an opportunity rather than a crisis. The lyrics suggest that for these individuals, "it's an ill wind doesn't bring you something good," a cynical justification for exploiting the circumstances. A particularly jarring shift occurs as the lyrics explicitly embrace collaboration and exclusion, moving from general apathy to active complicity. The lines "Germany is putting our country right!" and "Germany is giving us back our France!" are chilling, followed by the brutal pronouncements "Out with the Reds!" and "Out with the Jews!" This reveals the underlying ideology fueling their detachment: a desire to align with the perceived victors and to purge perceived enemies. The contrast between the "serving foie gras" and "serving shit" encapsulates the moral bankruptcy, where luxury and degradation coexist under the guise of "good times" and "a good war." Ultimately, the lyrics are effective because they expose a disturbing human tendency to prioritize personal prosperity and social standing above all else, even in the face of immense suffering and moral compromise. The recurring, almost gleeful, refrains of "Let the world turn" and "It's a good war!" coupled with the casual exchanges about luxury goods and political alignment, create a powerful, unsettling portrait of complicity. The final lines, a toast to "harmony" and "brotherhood in arms" between France and Germany, twisted by the context of occupation and persecution, serve as a final, bitter irony, highlighting how easily self-interest can mask or even justify abhorrent actions.

Original London Cast of Marguerite & Alexander Hanson & Andrew C Wadsworth & Ruthie Henshall - Pop, West End

Let the World Turn

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[WOMAN [spoken]] War? What war? [MAN [spoken]] I haven't noticed a war! [WOMAN [spoken]] Life goes on exactly as before! [MAN [spoken]] War is for other people, not for us! [MMAN] If you're careful [WOMAN] If you're clever [BOTH] Play your cards right Keep your nose clean Know the score [MAN] Life continues Same as ever All the heydays [ALL] All the pay-days like before! Let the world turn Let the world burn What do we care? We'll get our share We will thrive Let the bombs drop Let the world stop Let them drop, sir Stay on top, sir Stay alive! [WOMEN] As for Coco Chanel What that woman won't do! Living high in the Ritz With a German general too! Well, you know, Marguerite If it's good for Chanel Gotta have one as well! [MAN] Need some gas, sir? [MEN] Have a tank-full! [MAN] Need a truck, sir? [MEN] You're in luck, sir! Knock on wood! [ALL] Let's be grateful! Let's be thankful! It's an ill wind doesn't bring you something good [MAN] Screw this war! [MAN] It isn't our war to fight! [MAN] Sweet surrender gave us a second chance! [MAN] Germany is putting our country right! [MEN] Germany is giving us back our France! [WOMEN] Out with the Reds! [MEN] Out with the Jews! [ALL] Take them away! Let the sky fall! Let the guns roar! Life gets tougher Some will suffer Some will quit These are good times! It's a good war! Serving foie gras Serving soufflés Serving shit [MARGUERITE [spoken]] Georges! Stockings from [???]! Look everyone! [Sung] Isn't it bliss? Most women would kill me for this! Some women would tear out my hair Just for a pair Ça c'est la guerre! [WOMEN] Women out there [WOMAN] What's stopping 'em getting their share? [WOMAN ] You've got to be up with the times Move with the times [WOMEN] Oui, c'est la guerre! Lovely stockings! Light as feathers! [WOMAN] I've worn plenty [WOMAN] I've torn plenty in my time! [MEN] Lovely legs, dear! Smooth and milky! Were there ever Silks so silky So sublime! [ALL] Let the world turn! Let the world burn! Where's the party? Join the party! Party time! [Laughter] [MARGUERITE [spoken]] Otto! [MAN] General Von Stadt! [GEORGES [spoken]] It's just a little French game, General [OTTO [spoken]] Oh, I see. Perhaps it loses something in translation. Happy birthday, my dear [MARGUERITE [spoken]] Look what my adorable Otto has given me! [GEORGES [spoken]] Impeccable taste, General! [Sung] It's the real thing for sure You deserve it, my dear! May our race stay as pure May our blood flow just as clear! Let me offer a toast With a noble French wine To our friends 'cross the Reine! General, we drink to harmony We sons of France and Germany! Brotherhood in arms We're making history! [MEN] Warum denn warten wir? [ALL] General, we drink to victory We sons of France and Germany! Brotherhood in arms We share a destiny Warum denn warten wir? [MARGUERITE [spoken]] Oh, we're all so serious! It's my birthday, remember? Georges, you promised me a band! Where are they? [ALL] Let the world turn! Let the world burn! Let the sky fall! Let the guns roar! All around you Times are changing Time will tell! Time will tell! Let the world stop! Let the bombs drop! Let them drop, sir! Stay on top, sir! It's a good time! It's a good war! All is well!

Credits

Writers: Herbert Kretzmer
Michel Legrand
Alain Boublil

Let the World Turn

Let the World Turn

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Credits