Les Oubliés

Gauvain Sers' song "Les Oubliés" poignantly captures the struggles and neglect faced by rural communities in France. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a small village where the local school is closing due to a lack of students, a decision that symbolizes the broader abandonment of rural areas. The song opens with the image of a primary school teacher, recognizable by his wool sweater, lamenting the closure of his last two classes. This closure is not just a logistical issue but a reflection of a deeper societal neglect, as rural areas are often overlooked in favor of urban centers like Paris.

The song delves into the broader consequences of this neglect. The consolidation of schools into larger, more centralized institutions is part of a philosophy that treats the country as a commercial entity, prioritizing efficiency over community. This has led to the disappearance of local amenities like grocery stores and the exodus of essential services such as medical care. The once vibrant village is now a ghost town, with only banks remaining on the main street. The repeated refrain, "On est les oubliés" (We are the forgotten), underscores the sense of abandonment felt by these communities.

Sers also highlights the emotional toll of this neglect. The village's roundabouts, once bustling with activity, now symbolize confusion and disorientation. The silence in the schoolyard, devoid of children's laughter, is a haunting reminder of what has been lost. Even the local baker and the neighbor across the street feel the weight of this silence, reflecting a community in decline. The song criticizes the policymakers, detached from the realities of rural life, who make decisions based on numbers rather than human impact. The teacher, who has dedicated his life to educating children, must now face the painful reality of moving on. "Les Oubliés" is a powerful lament for the forgotten rural communities, a call for recognition and change.