To The End (French Version)

Blur's 'To The End (la Comedie)' is a poignant exploration of a relationship that has devolved into a tragic farce. The song juxtaposes English and French lyrics to emphasize the universal nature of its themes. The opening lines, 'Tous ces bals masqués (si peu d'amour) / Du mauvais cinéma (et tant de haine),' set the stage by describing the relationship as a masquerade ball and bad cinema, filled with little love and much hatred. This imagery suggests a superficial and performative relationship, where genuine emotions are scarce, and animosity is abundant.

The chorus, 'La comédie du grand amour / Vous ne me ferez pas l'injure de la jouer jusqu'au bout,' translates to 'The comedy of great love / You will not insult me by playing it to the end.' Here, the term 'comedy' is used ironically to describe the tragic nature of their love. The speaker refuses to continue the charade, indicating a desire to end the pretense and face the reality of their failing relationship. The repetition of 'si peu d'amour' (so little love) and 'et tant de haine' (and so much hatred) underscores the emotional imbalance and the futility of their efforts to maintain the facade.

The song also touches on themes of self-absorption and disillusionment. Lines like 'Infatuated only with ourselves / And neither of us can think straight anymore' highlight how both parties are more concerned with their own egos than with each other. This self-centeredness leads to a breakdown in communication and understanding, making it impossible to salvage the relationship. The final lines, 'Well you and I collapsed in love / And it looks like we might have made it / Yes it looks like we've made it to the end,' offer a bittersweet conclusion. While they have reached the 'end,' it is not a triumphant one but rather the end of their ill-fated romance.