Cadeau

Marie Laforêt's song "Cadeau" is a touching narrative that explores the profound and often unquantifiable nature of a mother's love. The song begins with a simple domestic scene where the mother, while preparing dinner, is approached by her young son. He hands her a piece of paper listing various chores he has done, each with a corresponding monetary value. This list, totaling 9 francs and 85 centimes, represents the child's attempt to quantify his contributions to the household.

The mother, upon reading the list, is flooded with memories of her sacrifices and the unconditional love she has given her child. She takes the pencil, turns the paper over, and writes her own list. This list includes the nine months of pregnancy, the sleepless nights spent watching over him, and the countless other acts of care and devotion. Each item on her list is marked as "Cadeau" (gift), emphasizing that her love and efforts are given freely and without expectation of repayment.

The song reaches its emotional peak when the child, moved by his mother's words, realizes the depth of her love. He expresses his love for her in simple, heartfelt terms and writes in large letters that the total of their love is also a gift. This poignant moment underscores the theme that true love, especially a mother's love, is beyond any monetary value and is given selflessly. The song beautifully captures the essence of familial love and the immeasurable value of the sacrifices made by parents for their children.