La Ballade Nord-Irlandaise turns the simple act of planting an orange tree into a vivid symbol of peace and hope. French singer-songwriter Renaud imagines sailing into conflict-torn Northern Ireland, a land where the only “fruit” so far has been the pull-pin explosions of grenades. Instead of taking sides, he offers camaraderie: Let’s share a drink, go fishing, and sing together. By choosing an orange tree—an unmistakable nod to the Orange Order—he reclaims the color for unity rather than division.
Renaud then challenges the roots of the conflict, urging people to “kill your gods” and stop hiding behind religious symbols. Real change, he insists, comes from ordinary men and women who decide to plant seeds of friendship instead of hatred. When the orange tree finally blooms, it yields “the sweet fruit of freedom,” proving that music, fellowship, and a single brave gesture can outshine decades of violence.