C'est Dans L'air

Mylène Farmer's song 'C'est Dans L'air' delves into the darker aspects of human nature and society, presenting a raw and unfiltered look at our collective flaws. The lyrics list various negative traits such as vanity, betrayal, cowardice, and cruelty, labeling them as 'ugly.' This repetition emphasizes the pervasive nature of these vices, suggesting that they are an intrinsic part of the human condition. Farmer's use of the phrase 'C'est dans l'air' (It's in the air) implies that these negative traits are omnipresent and unavoidable, almost as if they are a part of the atmosphere we breathe.

The song also explores the idea of societal outcasts and misunderstood individuals. Farmer refers to the 'cabossés' (the damaged) and 'fêlés' (the cracked) as angels, challenging the conventional perception of these individuals. She questions who will avenge the oppressed and the unloved, highlighting the neglect and mistreatment they often face. This portrayal of outcasts as angels serves as a powerful metaphor, suggesting that those who are marginalized by society possess an inherent purity or goodness that goes unrecognized.

Farmer's lyrics also touch on themes of escapism and existentialism. She sings about the necessity of 'prendre l'air' (taking a breath) and 's'ennivrer' (getting drunk), indicating a desire to escape from the harsh realities of life. The mention of 'coïter' (having sex) and 'nos amours passés' (our past loves) adds a layer of hedonism and nostalgia, suggesting that these acts are ways to cope with or momentarily forget the ugliness of life. The song concludes with a sense of fatalism, acknowledging that despite our efforts to escape or find meaning, we all ultimately end up 'au fond du trou' (at the bottom of the hole).

Farmer's 'C'est Dans L'air' is a poignant reflection on the inherent flaws of humanity and the ways we cope with them. It challenges listeners to confront these uncomfortable truths and consider the beauty that can be found in imperfection.