Traqué

Édith Piaf's song 'Traqué' paints a vivid picture of a man relentlessly running through the city, pursued by an unknown force. The lyrics immediately draw the listener into the urgency and desperation of the man's flight. The repeated imagery of him running 'à coeur perdu' (with a lost heart) suggests a deep sense of despair and hopelessness. The city and its inhabitants become a backdrop to his frantic escape, emphasizing his isolation and the intensity of his situation.

The song raises questions about the man's past and the reasons for his flight. The lyrics ponder whether he has stolen or killed, leaving the listener in suspense. The phrase 'Est-il traqué par son passé?' (Is he hunted by his past?) hints at a history that haunts him, suggesting that his pursuers may be more than just physical entities—they could be the ghosts of his past actions. This adds a layer of psychological depth to the song, making it not just a physical chase but also a mental and emotional one.

As the song progresses, it is revealed that the man has indeed killed, and the narrator knows the details of his crime. The revelation that 'c'est chez moi qu'on est venu le chercher' (it is at my place they came to look for him) adds a personal connection between the narrator and the fugitive, intensifying the drama. The man's only chance is to flee, and the song ends on a somber note, contemplating his possible death. The repeated phrase 'que moi' (only me) underscores the personal and solitary nature of this story, suggesting that the narrator feels a unique connection to the man's plight, perhaps even a sense of shared guilt or responsibility.