Marie

Johnny Hallyday's song 'Marie' is a poignant and emotional ballad that delves into the despair and longing of a soldier caught in the throes of war. The lyrics are a heartfelt plea to a woman named Marie, who represents a beacon of hope and solace amidst the chaos and destruction. The repeated refrain, 'Oh Marie si tu savais, tout le mal que l'on me fait,' translates to 'Oh Marie, if you knew all the harm they do to me,' encapsulating the deep sense of suffering and yearning for comfort that the protagonist feels.

The song paints a vivid picture of the horrors of war, with lines like 'J'ai vu plus d'horreurs que de merveilles' ('I've seen more horrors than wonders') and 'Je vois des ombres s'entretuer' ('I see shadows killing each other'). These lyrics highlight the brutal reality of the battlefield, where innocence is lost, and the protagonist's last chance for redemption seems to fade away. The imagery of running aimlessly through noise and smoke further emphasizes the chaos and confusion that war brings.

In the final verses, the song takes a somber turn as the protagonist contemplates death. The line 'Elle m'a promis des vacances, la mort m'a promis sa dernière danse' ('She promised me a vacation, death promised me its last dance') suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance of his fate. Despite the grim outlook, there is a glimmer of hope as he expresses a desire to be reunited with Marie in the afterlife, 'Oh Marie j'attendrai qu'au ciel tu vienne me retrouver' ('Oh Marie, I will wait for you to find me in heaven'). This longing for reunion underscores the deep emotional connection and love that the protagonist holds for Marie, making the song a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.