Ils s'aiment

Daniel Lavoie's song 'Ils s'aiment' is a poignant exploration of love's resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics paint a picture of a couple who love each other with the innocence and hope of children, despite the looming threats and societal pressures around them. The phrase 'Ils s'aiment comme avant' (They love each other like before) suggests a longing for a simpler time, before the 'menaces et les grands tourments' (threats and great torments) that now overshadow their lives. This nostalgic yearning underscores the purity and strength of their love, which remains untainted by the cynicism and chaos of the world.

The song also touches on the external forces that challenge their love. References to 'enfants de la bombe' (children of the bomb) and 'des catastrophes' (of catastrophes) evoke a world fraught with danger and instability. These lines highlight the couple's defiance against a backdrop of global threats, suggesting that their love is a form of resistance. The repeated plea to 'laissons-les s'aimer' (let them love each other) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of allowing love to flourish, even in the darkest of times.

Lavoie's lyrical narrative is further enriched by the recurring theme of innocence. By comparing the couple's love to that of children, he emphasizes its purity and unspoiled nature. This metaphor also serves to contrast their genuine affection with the 'cynisme' (cynicism) and 'menace qui gronde' (threat that rumbles) of the adult world. The song ultimately champions the idea that love, in its most innocent and hopeful form, can endure and even thrive amidst chaos and despair.