700 Millions de Chinois

Jacques Dutronc's song "700 Millions de Chinois" is a satirical commentary on the self-centered nature of individuals in the face of global issues. The lyrics juxtapose the singer's trivial personal concerns with the vast populations and significant problems of various countries and groups around the world. This contrast highlights the irony and absurdity of focusing on minor personal inconveniences while being aware of much larger global issues.

In each verse, Dutronc mentions a large population from a different part of the world, such as the Chinese, Indonesians, Africans, Soviets, and more. He then contrasts these populations with his own mundane life, filled with everyday activities and minor annoyances. For instance, while mentioning the millions of starving people, he talks about his vegetarian diet and whisky consumption. This stark contrast serves to underline the singer's obliviousness and the general human tendency to prioritize personal comfort over global awareness.

The recurring line "J'y pense et puis j'oublie, c'est la vie, c'est la vie" (I think about it and then I forget, that's life, that's life) encapsulates the song's central theme. It suggests a fleeting awareness of global issues that is quickly overshadowed by personal concerns. This line reflects a broader societal tendency to momentarily acknowledge but ultimately ignore pressing global problems, choosing instead to focus on the immediate and the personal. Dutronc's use of humor and irony in the song serves as a critique of this self-absorption and a call to be more mindful of the world beyond our own lives.