Oh Lala

PNL's 'Oh Lala' delves deep into the harsh realities and struggles of street life, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those living in the margins. The lyrics are raw and unfiltered, reflecting the duo's experiences and the environment they come from. The song opens with a sense of entrapment, as the narrator finds himself in a 'cul de sac,' a dead-end situation, both literally and metaphorically. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where survival and making money ('faire des ronds') are paramount, even if it means engaging in illegal activities like selling drugs ('j'recoupe la pure') and dealing with the associated guilt and remorse.

The recurring phrase 'oh lala' serves as a lament, a sigh of exasperation at the relentless grind and the moral compromises that come with it. The song also touches on themes of isolation and distrust, with lines like 'Y'a pas d'ami, pour ta bitch, pas de temps,' emphasizing the lack of genuine relationships and the focus on money and family ('que du biff, que la mif'). The narrator's obsession with money is juxtaposed with his acknowledgment of its corrupting influence, as he admits to being 'autant obsédé par l'argent' while also being 'totalement pété,' indicating a state of being high or intoxicated, possibly as a coping mechanism.

The song's chorus and verses are interspersed with reflections on time and existential musings. The narrator observes the passage of time ('L'temps passe, j'vois l'soleil s'lever, s'coucher') and the cyclical nature of his life, filled with repetitive actions and a sense of futility. The mention of 'la vida loca' and becoming 'animal' highlights the dehumanizing effect of this lifestyle, where survival instincts take over, and moral boundaries blur. The song ends on a somber note, with the narrator acknowledging the weight of his choices and the inescapable nature of his circumstances, encapsulated in the line 'Il nous reste toutes ces bougies à souffler sur la côte,' symbolizing fleeting moments of hope amidst a sea of challenges.