C'est Écrit

Francis Cabrel's song "C'est Écrit" delves into the profound and often painful experience of an unforgettable love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that leaves an indelible mark on the protagonist's life. The recurring phrase "C'est écrit" ("It's written") suggests a sense of inevitability, as if the events and emotions described are predestined and unavoidable.

The song begins by describing how this love will change the protagonist's life, making him age prematurely and lose his sense of direction. The imagery of clouds and ports evokes a sense of transience and loss, as the woman he loves comes and goes, leaving him in a state of perpetual longing. Despite the pain she causes, he finds himself forgiving her, highlighting the complexity and depth of his feelings.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that this love has a haunting quality. The woman remains in his memory, dancing behind the fog, a metaphor for the elusive and haunting nature of his feelings. He is consumed by thoughts of her, praying and searching for answers, yet finding none. The repetition of the phrase "Elle n'en sort plus de ta mémoire" ("She no longer leaves your memory") underscores the inescapable nature of his obsession.

The song also touches on the universal theme of love and its inherent struggles. The protagonist dreams and questions what she loves, what she wants, and who she sees, reflecting the confusion and torment that often accompany deep emotional connections. The final verses reveal that the narrator has lived through a similar experience, counting the days since, suggesting a shared human experience of love, loss, and the passage of time.