Protection

Alcest's song 'Protection' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that delves into themes of inner turmoil and the quest for safety amidst chaos. The lyrics, sung in French, paint a vivid picture of a night that collapses like a suspended canvas, symbolizing the overwhelming nature of darkness and the struggles that come with it. The imagery of 'rugissements' (roars) and the internal battle ('je me débats') against shadows suggests a fight against inner demons or fears that pierce through one's being.

The song continues to explore this battle, with the protagonist struggling against these shadows that 'transpercent de part en part' (pierce through from side to side). The mention of 'les houles de la mer' (the swells of the sea) as an armor provides a metaphor for the natural world's protective and calming influence. This imagery evokes a sense of seeking refuge in the vast, unyielding power of nature, which stands as a shield against the encroaching darkness.

As the day 's'étrangle' (strangles), the song speaks of 'tant d'armes' (so many weapons) and 'tant de lames glaciales' (so many icy blades) needed to face the 'fauves' (wild beasts) within. This could be interpreted as the various defenses and coping mechanisms one employs to confront their inner fears and anxieties. The 'fauves' represent the primal, untamed aspects of the self that roar and growl, demanding to be faced and subdued. Alcest's 'Protection' thus becomes a poetic exploration of the struggle for inner peace and the protective measures we seek in the face of our deepest fears.