Slipping Away (Crier la vie)

Mylène Farmer's song 'Slipping Away (Crier la vie)' is a poignant exploration of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments and people we hold dear. The lyrics juxtapose feelings of happiness and sadness, urging listeners to remain open to both emotions. This duality is evident in lines like 'Open to everything happy and sad' and 'Seeing the good, même si tout va si mal,' which translate to 'even if everything goes so badly.' Farmer's message is clear: life is a blend of highs and lows, and recognizing this can help us appreciate the good times even more.

The song also delves into the theme of holding on to what matters most. The repeated lines 'Hold on to people they're slipping away' and 'Hold on to this while it's slipping away' serve as a reminder of the transient nature of life and relationships. Farmer emphasizes the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of life, even when faced with challenges, as seen in 'Focus on everything better today' and 'Crier la vie quand tout autour se tais,' which means 'Shout life when everything around is silent.' This call to action encourages listeners to celebrate life and love, even in the face of adversity.

Cultural references and metaphors enrich the song's narrative. The mention of 'Femmes au soleil quand la nuit nous accable' ('Women in the sun when the night overwhelms us') and 'Oh, pour un jour croire aux dieux croire aux fables' ('Oh, for one day to believe in gods, to believe in fables') evoke images of resilience and hope. These lines suggest that even in the darkest times, there is a glimmer of light and a reason to believe in something greater. Farmer's lyrical style, characterized by its poetic and introspective nature, invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the impermanence of the world around them.