Mike Oldfield’s “To France” Lyrics Meaning

The addressee of Mike Oldfield’s classic “To France” appears to be someone who is looking for a new lease on life. And achieving this reality is metaphorically referred to as getting “to France”. Thus this European country, as utilized throughout the track, is actually symbolic of said individual fulfilling his or her dream, so to speak.

And what Mike is telling this person is that he or she is never going to actually reach this fantastical destination. Now it doesn’t sound as if he is trying to discourage this individual. Rather the implication is that perhaps what “France” represents specifically is this person looking for a “new romance”. Indeed Paris, the capitol of the country, is often referred to as ‘the city of love’. So it is very much likely that the aforementioned dream fulfillment, which is symbolized by “France”, is specifically along the lines of falling in love.

A Song with Multiple Interpretations

Thus one solid way of interpreting this track is as it being based on the belief that finding true love – especially for someone who has say played the game and already lost and particularly for the addressee – is an elusive endeavor. But such an explanation is on a general analysis of the lyrics. For with references to the likes of “Mary Queen of Chance”, it is also possible that this track is somehow related to actual, well-known people. And in that regard, some have postulated that it actually serves as a chronicling of at least part of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587). In fact Mary was betrothed to Francis II, who would go on to become King of France, when she was about five-years old (and Francis three). In fact through her marriage to Francis, Mary herself became the queen of France.

But it’ll probably require a really-deep study into her personal history to ascertain whether or not the metaphors contained in this song are actually applicable to her life. Indeed Mary, Queen of Scots apparently spent a considerable about of time in the titular country, meaning that she did in fact successfully get to France. So whereas it is possible that in some way, shape or form Mike Oldfield is giving a shoutout to her, even in doing so the overall point seems to be that the addressee is on some kind of a quest. And the is doubtful that this person will reach their intended destination.

Facts about “To France”

In addition to Mike Oldfield, himself being from England, additional vocals are provided on this track by Scottish songstress Maggie Reilly.

In fact Maggie Reilly dropped her on, solo rendition of “To France”, to moderate success, in 1997.

This is the leadoff single from Mike Oldfield’s album “Discovery”. And Virgin Records released it to serve that purpose on 16 June 1984.

The song charted in Mike’s homeland in addition to eight other countries, including Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

Mike Oldfield wrote and produced “To France” himself. And he was assisted in its production by Simon Phillips.

It is interesting to note that many often assume the title of this song to be “Get To France” instead of just “To France”.