Ainsi soit-il
Chedid Louis
Life's Cinematic Journey in 'Ainsi soit-il'
Louis Chedid's song 'Ainsi soit-il' presents life as a film, using cinematic metaphors to explore the passage of time and the inevitability of life's events. The song opens with a scene-setting description, likening the listener's life to a movie being filmed from a helicopter view, zooming into an apartment. This imagery sets the stage for a narrative that unfolds like a screenplay, with each moment captured as a significant scene in the grand film of life.
The lyrics delve into various stages of life, from the innocence of childhood to the complexities of adulthood. The mention of 'Les Fleurs Du Mal' by Charles Baudelaire introduces a literary reference that adds depth to the narrative, suggesting themes of beauty and decay. The song's recurring phrase, 'Ainsi soit-il,' which translates to 'So be it,' underscores the acceptance of life's unfolding events, no matter how unpredictable or uncontrollable they may be. This acceptance is further emphasized in the lines about love being the only thing worth pursuing, and the inevitability of death, symbolized by the corbillard (hearse) passing by silently.
Chedid's use of cinematic techniques like flashbacks and zooms creates a vivid, almost tangible experience for the listener. The song's structure, with its alternating scenes and sequences, mirrors the unpredictability and continuity of life. The final zoom out to the helicopter view signifies a return to the broader perspective, reminding us of the cyclical nature of existence. The song's poetic and philosophical undertones invite listeners to reflect on their own lives as a series of interconnected scenes, each contributing to the larger narrative.