What is Patti Smith's song 'Broken Flag' about?
January 31, 2025 11:01 PM   Subscribe

What is Patti Smith's song Broken Flag about?

The emotional song lyrics have the refrain "We're still marching for Algiers".

What is this in reference to?
posted by splitpeasoup to Media & Arts (3 answers total)
 
Best answer: I always assumed it was about colonisation/warfare and maybe the Battle of Algiers. A well-known, well-regarded film of the same name came out in the late '60s and was probably a significant part of the culture around the time she was coming up. From what I understand, she's also a big fan of Rimbaud, who had varying ties to Algiers.
posted by BeeJiddy at 12:30 AM on February 1 [1 favorite]


I was also going to mention Rimbaud’s ties to Algiers. His father was stationed there for eight years so could be a reference.
posted by mermaidcafe at 11:38 PM on February 1


I adore Patti Smith, but she wrote this song for Johnny Depp as a birthday present, which I doesn’t exactly give Johnny Depp or birthday vibes. So I no longer assume I understand her inspirations.
posted by mermaidcafe at 11:48 PM on February 1


« Older Searching for search   |   How to be tired and pleasant? Newer »

You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments