Tout Oublier (feat. Roméo Elvis)
Angèle
The Pursuit of Happiness in Angèle's 'Tout Oublier'
Angèle's song 'Tout Oublier,' featuring Roméo Elvis, delves into the complexities of happiness and the societal pressure to attain it. The lyrics suggest that happiness cannot exist without its opposite, implying that life's struggles are essential to understanding and appreciating joy. The song questions whether the desire for happiness is genuine or if it's a response to societal expectations. Angèle expresses doubt about whether she truly longed for happiness or if she feels obligated to pursue it because 'spleen,' a term for melancholy, is no longer fashionable.
The chorus, 'Tout, il faudrait tout oublier,' which translates to 'Everything, we would have to forget everything,' captures the essence of the song. It suggests that in order to truly believe in happiness, one must forget all the pain and sorrow they've experienced. This idea is reinforced by the lines that encourage listeners to forget their loneliness, betrayals, and losses. The song conveys a message that happiness is simple and attainable if one just decides to be happy, yet it also acknowledges the difficulty of doing so in the face of life's challenges.
The cultural references, such as 'Vieux souvenir comme l'ADSL,' which translates to 'Old memory like ADSL,' add a layer of nostalgia and the sense of rapidly changing times. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with the introspective and somewhat cynical lyrics, creating a thought-provoking piece on the nature of happiness and the human condition. Angèle's style, often characterized by her melodic pop sound and insightful lyrics, shines through in 'Tout Oublier,' making it a song that resonates with listeners grappling with the pursuit of happiness in a complex world.