Négatif

Benjamin Biolay's song 'Négatif' delves deep into the psyche of a troubled soul, grappling with intense emotions and existential despair. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is inherently turbulent and negative, born in the last decan, a term often associated with astrology and the division of zodiac signs. This astrological reference sets the tone for a narrative steeped in introspection and a sense of predestined melancholy.

The imagery of being 'pushed by the wind' and 'emptied of blood' suggests a feeling of being at the mercy of external forces, unable to control one's fate. The protagonist dreams of a 'definitive spring,' a metaphor for a lasting peace or renewal, yet remains tormented and doubtful. The mention of an epitaph 'engraved for a long time in the reefs' evokes a sense of permanence in suffering, as if the pain is etched into the very fabric of their existence.

The chorus reveals a profound sense of hopelessness, as the protagonist contemplates the vastness of their pain and the allure of the sirens, mythical creatures that symbolize temptation and danger. The idea of bathing naked in the Seine, a river that runs through Paris, can be seen as a metaphor for seeking solace or purification, yet it is tinged with a sense of resignation. The repeated assertion of being 'negative' and the acknowledgment that 'everything is falling apart' encapsulate the essence of the song—a poignant exploration of despair and the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.