Les Passagers

Berry's song 'Les Passagers' delves into the transient and ephemeral nature of human relationships, particularly focusing on love. The lyrics paint a picture of individuals as 'passagers' or passengers, suggesting that life and love are journeys with no permanent stops. The metaphor of being passengers implies a sense of movement and impermanence, highlighting that we are always in transit, never fully settled. This is evident from the opening lines, 'Nous sommes des passagers / Nous n’pouvons que bouger,' which translate to 'We are passengers / We can only move.' This sets the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing the inevitability of change and the fleeting moments of happiness we experience.

The song also touches on the idea of love as a form of escape or a temporary refuge. The line 'La fuite est entamée / Dès le premier baiser' ('The escape begins / From the first kiss') suggests that love offers a brief respite from the harsh realities of life. However, this escape is short-lived, as indicated by 'Nos bonheurs sont furtifs' ('Our happiness is fleeting'). The use of the word 'fugitifs' (fugitives) further underscores the idea that we are constantly running, perhaps from loneliness or heartbreak, and that our moments of joy are stolen and temporary.

Berry's melancholic tone is palpable throughout the song, especially in the repeated lines 'Si tu t’en vas, je meurs' ('If you leave, I die'). This line encapsulates the vulnerability and dependency that often accompany love, making it clear that the departure of a loved one can be devastating. The song concludes with a sense of urgency, 'Il faut se dépêcher' ('We must hurry'), reinforcing the idea that time is of the essence and that we must cherish the fleeting moments we have. Berry's poignant lyrics and emotive delivery make 'Les Passagers' a haunting reflection on the impermanence of love and life.