Déclaration

Georges Moustaki's song "Déclaration" is a powerful manifesto for a utopian world where happiness is a permanent state and everyone enjoys equal privileges. The lyrics begin with a bold proclamation of a state of permanent happiness and the right of every individual to all privileges. Moustaki condemns suffering as sacrilegious, especially when there is enough for everyone to live comfortably. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is a critique of societal injustices and a call for a more compassionate and equitable world.

Moustaki challenges the legitimacy of wars, the justice system that kills, and the complacency of those who ignore these issues. He envisions a new world rising from the ashes of the old, but emphasizes that this change cannot be passively awaited; it must be actively pursued. He expresses a desire for genuine beauty and love, free from societal constraints and superficiality. Moustaki also calls for a generational unity, where fathers, sons, and everyone in between can live harmoniously, free from the burdens of past conflicts and societal expectations.

The song culminates in a declaration of personal and collective responsibility. Moustaki envisions a world where people are accountable only to themselves and their own destinies, free from external control or divine intervention. He invites others to join him on this journey towards a new star, symbolizing a brighter future. The repeated declaration of a state of permanent happiness serves as both a hopeful vision and a rallying cry for action, urging listeners to strive for a better world here and now.