Je Me Suis Fait Tout Petit

Georges Brassens' song 'Je Me Suis Fait Tout Petit' is a poetic exploration of the transformative power of love. The lyrics depict a man who has undergone a profound change due to his relationship with a woman. Initially, he describes himself as a fierce and independent individual, someone who never bowed to anyone. However, this changes when he meets a woman who has a profound impact on him, making him 'small' and submissive, much like a child with a toy doll. The metaphor of the doll, which closes its eyes when laid down and says 'Mama' when touched, symbolizes the man's vulnerability and the control the woman has over him.

The song uses vivid imagery and metaphors to illustrate the man's transformation. He compares himself to a once fierce dog now eating out of her hand, and his sharp wolf-like teeth have been replaced by harmless baby teeth. This transformation is not just physical but emotional and psychological. The woman, described as having 'milk teeth' when she smiles and 'wolf teeth' when she is angry, represents a duality that keeps the man in a state of constant submission and awe. Despite her jealousy and sometimes harsh behavior, he remains devoted to her, illustrating the complexities and contradictions of love.

Brassens also touches on the theme of inevitability and acceptance. The man acknowledges that he is under her 'empire' and follows her rules, even though it sometimes leads to suffering. The reference to somnambulists and mages predicting his ultimate fate in her arms suggests a sense of destiny and resignation. The final lines, which talk about the inevitability of suffering and death, whether here or elsewhere, add a philosophical layer to the song. It suggests that love, with all its trials and tribulations, is an inescapable part of the human experience, and one must accept it, no matter the cost.