Comme la lune

Joe Dassin's song "Comme la lune" tells the story of a man who finds himself in a series of unfortunate and somewhat absurd situations, all while maintaining a sense of resignation and acceptance. The protagonist starts by showing his rifle to a stranger, who then turns the weapon on him, robs him, and leaves. This incident sets off a chain of events that lead to the protagonist being wrongfully accused of a bank robbery. The phrase "comme la lune" (like the moon) is used to describe his feelings of shame and helplessness, yet he remains without bitterness, accepting that life is unpredictable and often unfair.

The song continues with the protagonist discovering from the newspapers that he is wanted for a crime he didn't commit. His rifle, left at the crime scene, becomes the evidence against him. Despite the gravity of the situation, he remains somewhat detached, almost bemused by the absurdity of it all. This detachment is further emphasized when his wife visits him in prison with the very man who framed him, under the pretense of bringing him oranges. The protagonist's reaction is again one of resigned acceptance, reflecting the song's recurring theme of life's unpredictability.

In the final verse, the protagonist cleverly escapes from prison by making shoes with heels on both ends, confusing his guards. This act of ingenuity contrasts with his earlier passivity, showing a spark of rebellion and resourcefulness. The guards, described as "like the moon," are portrayed as foolish but not malicious, reinforcing the song's tone of gentle irony. Throughout "Comme la lune," Joe Dassin uses humor and a light-hearted narrative to explore themes of fate, resilience, and the human capacity to adapt to life's whims.