Qui?

Charles Aznavour's song 'Qui?' delves deep into the emotional turmoil of anticipating the loss of a loved one to another. The lyrics are a poignant exploration of jealousy, fear, and the inevitable passage of time. Aznavour, known for his emotive and expressive singing style, captures the essence of a lover's despair as he contemplates who will take his place in his beloved's life after he is gone. The song is rich with metaphors and vivid imagery, painting a picture of a man tormented by the thought of another person experiencing the intimate moments he once shared with his partner.

The recurring question 'Qui?' (Who?) serves as a haunting refrain, emphasizing the uncertainty and helplessness the narrator feels. He imagines another man who will 'frôlera tes lèvres' (brush your lips) and 'deviendra ton maître' (become your master), highlighting the physical and emotional intimacy that will be transferred to someone else. This imagery is powerful, as it conveys not just the loss of a partner, but the loss of identity and significance in the relationship. The narrator's jealousy is palpable as he envisions this new person 'mieux me détruire' (better destroy me) in the heart of his beloved.

Aznavour also touches on the theme of time and age, noting the 'vingt ans d'écart' (twenty-year gap) between him and his lover. This age difference adds another layer of complexity to his fears, as he grapples with the reality that his time is limited. The song's emotional climax comes as he acknowledges that someone else will 'prendre ta vie au bout de mes jours' (take your life at the end of my days), a heart-wrenching acceptance of his mortality and the continuation of his lover's life without him. The final lines, where he imagines being 'enterré pour la seconde fois' (buried for the second time), encapsulate the depth of his sorrow and the profound impact of this anticipated loss.