Presque L'amour

Rachid Taha's song 'Presque L'amour' delves into the complexities of a young, forbidden romance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is both intense and constrained by external factors, such as familial disapproval and societal expectations. The protagonist is caught in a web of secrecy, unable to openly express his feelings for his beloved due to the fear of his father's reaction. This clandestine love affair forces him to lie and hide his true emotions, creating a sense of internal conflict and longing.

The chorus, 'Ensemble on fait presque l'amour,' which translates to 'Together we almost make love,' captures the essence of their relationship. They are on the brink of fully experiencing their love but are held back by circumstances beyond their control. This phrase encapsulates the tension and frustration of being so close yet so far from consummating their love. The repeated line, 'Je t'aime tout seul j'me fais dormir,' meaning 'I love you alone, I make myself sleep,' highlights the loneliness and yearning that the protagonist feels when they are apart.

The song also touches on the innocence and purity of young love. The imagery of sneaking around, meeting after school, and sharing intimate moments like 'les fleurs du mal' (the flowers of evil) adds a layer of poetic beauty to their relationship. Despite the obstacles, their love continues to grow stronger each day, as they 's'aime on le fait pas exprès' (love each other without trying). This line suggests that their love is natural and effortless, further emphasizing the authenticity of their emotions. 'Presque L'amour' is a poignant exploration of the bittersweet nature of forbidden love, capturing the intensity, secrecy, and longing that come with it.