NéS Sous La MêMe éToile

IAM's song "NéS Sous La MêMe éToile" delves deep into the themes of social inequality and the randomness of fate. The refrain sets the tone, emphasizing that life is beautiful, but destiny diverges, and not everyone is dealt the same hand. The metaphor of not being born under the same star highlights the arbitrary nature of fortune and misfortune, suggesting that one's birth circumstances heavily influence their life trajectory.

Shurik'n's verses paint a vivid picture of the stark contrasts between the lives of the rich and the poor. He questions why he was born with empty pockets while others have wealth. The imagery of his father working hard on a bicycle while another's father drives a BMW underscores the economic disparities. Shurik'n contrasts his own struggles with basic necessities and education against the privileged life of another, who enjoys luxuries like equestrian activities and vacations. The recurring question of why he wasn't born under a luckier star reflects a deep sense of injustice and frustration.

Akhénaton's verses continue this exploration of inequality, recounting his own experiences of growing up in poverty. He describes a childhood marked by hardship, fear, and a lack of opportunities. The imagery of his sister being mocked for wearing a veil and his own struggles to find a job highlight the social and economic challenges faced by those born into less fortunate circumstances. Akhénaton's reflection on how his life might have been different if he had been born into wealth underscores the song's central theme: the arbitrary nature of fate and the profound impact of one's birth circumstances on their life.