Lily

The song 'Lily' by Perret Pierre tells the poignant story of a young woman named Lily who emigrates from Somalia to France, seeking a better life. The narrative begins with Lily's arrival in Paris, filled with hope and dreams of equality and freedom. However, she quickly encounters the harsh realities of racism and discrimination. The lyrics highlight her initial belief in the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, only to be met with exclusion and prejudice, as exemplified by the hotelier who refuses her lodging because of her skin color.

Lily's journey is marked by hard labor and menial jobs, reflecting the struggles of many immigrants who take on the most difficult and low-paying work. Despite these challenges, Lily maintains a sense of humor and resilience, even when faced with derogatory nicknames like 'Blanche-Neige' (Snow White). Her romantic life also suffers due to racial prejudices, as seen when her lover's family rejects her despite claiming not to be racist.

The song takes a turn when Lily tries her luck in America, only to find that racial discrimination is just as prevalent there. However, she finds hope and solidarity in the civil rights movement, meeting figures like Angela Davis who inspire her to fight against injustice. The song concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting that through her struggles, Lily will find love and acceptance, and her future child will embody the 'color of love,' a powerful metaphor for overcoming racial barriers. 'Lily' is a touching and powerful narrative that sheds light on the immigrant experience, the fight against racism, and the enduring hope for a better future.