Comme D'habitude

Mireille Mathieu's song 'Comme D'habitude' poignantly captures the essence of a relationship that has fallen into a monotonous and emotionally distant routine. The lyrics describe the daily life of someone who goes through the motions of their day, performing habitual actions without any emotional connection or fulfillment. The repetition of 'Comme d'habitude' (which translates to 'As usual') underscores the sense of routine and the lack of change in the protagonist's life. This phrase becomes a haunting refrain that emphasizes the emotional numbness and the predictability of their existence.

The song opens with the protagonist waking up and gently trying to wake their partner, who remains unresponsive. This sets the tone for the rest of the day, filled with small, tender gestures that go unnoticed and unreciprocated. The protagonist's actions, such as covering their partner with a blanket and caressing their hair, are met with indifference, symbolizing the emotional distance between them. The coldness of the outside world mirrors the coldness within the relationship, as the protagonist leaves the house and faces a gray, unwelcoming day.

Throughout the day, the protagonist continues to 'play pretend,' smiling and laughing as if everything is normal, while hiding their true feelings of sadness and loneliness. The return home is equally disheartening, with the partner absent and the protagonist going to bed alone in a cold, empty bed. The cycle repeats itself, with the protagonist hiding their tears and continuing to wait for a change that never comes. The song's melancholic tone and repetitive structure effectively convey the despair and resignation of living in a loveless, unchanging relationship.

'Comme D'habitude' is a powerful reflection on the pain of unreciprocated love and the emotional toll of living in a stagnant relationship. It speaks to the universal experience of feeling trapped in a routine that no longer brings joy or fulfillment, and the longing for something more meaningful.