C'est loin tout ça

Claude Barzotti's song 'C'est loin tout ça' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with growing up. The lyrics are steeped in nostalgia, as Barzotti reminisces about his childhood and the simplicity of those days. He recalls a time when he was in love with a little girl, his first guitar, and the dreams of glory that filled his young mind. These memories are contrasted with his present self, who he feels has become unrecognizable and perhaps even jaded by the harsh realities of adulthood.

The song is rich with vivid imagery and metaphors that evoke a sense of longing for the past. For instance, Barzotti mentions a 'conte de Normandie' (a tale from Normandy) and a 'carré de ciel bleu' (a square of blue sky), which symbolize the idyllic and innocent world of his childhood. The recurring line 'C'est loin tout ça' (It's far, all that) underscores the emotional distance he feels from those cherished memories. The repetition of this line throughout the song emphasizes the theme of lost innocence and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

Barzotti also touches on the theme of change and how it can lead to a loss of one's true self. He notes how people become 'méchant' (mean) as they grow older, suggesting that the pressures and disappointments of life can harden a person's heart. This sentiment is further illustrated by his memories of a 'musicien bidon' (a phony musician) and a 'petit chien mort' (a little dead dog), which serve as metaphors for the disillusionment and sorrow that often accompany adulthood. Through these reflections, Barzotti captures the universal experience of looking back on one's life and grappling with the changes that time brings.