Meaning of "Tangier" by Donovan

The lyrics of "Tangier" paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by the less fortunate residents of Tangier, Morocco. The mention of beggars, women in soiled white sheets, and old Moroccans afflicted with elephantiasis highlights the extreme poverty and health issues that exist in the city. Despite their dire circumstances, the reference to staring eyes that never weep and the description of happiness in their hunger suggest a sense of resilience and acceptance among the people. The comparison to living longer than their fathers hints at the idea of survival and endurance through generations of hardship. The song may serve as a commentary on societal inequality, the resilience of the human spirit, and the complex relationship between poverty and longevity in marginalized communities.