Hexagone

Renaud's song 'Hexagone' is a biting critique of French society, politics, and culture, delivered through a month-by-month dissection of the nation's flaws. The song opens in January, highlighting the superficiality of New Year's celebrations and the stagnation of societal progress. Renaud's lyrics suggest that despite the passage of time, the core issues within France remain unchanged, with hypocrisy and deceit prevalent among its people.

In February, Renaud recalls the tragic events of Charonne, where police brutality led to the deaths of protesters. This sets the tone for his condemnation of the French state's oppressive nature, likening it to a police state where violence is used to maintain order. March brings a reflection on the execution of a Basque anarchist, drawing parallels to France's own use of the guillotine, thus criticizing the nation's selective outrage and moral inconsistency.

As the year progresses, Renaud continues to expose the contradictions and failures of French society. April's adherence to outdated traditions, May's failed revolution, and June's selective memory of World War II all serve to illustrate a nation clinging to a flawed past. The summer months are marked by superficial celebrations and escapism, with July's Bastille Day festivities and August's vacation exodus highlighting a populace distracted from their exploitation and environmental impact.

Renaud's critique extends into the latter part of the year, with September's indifference to Latin American struggles and October's pride in French wine juxtaposed against the nation's deeper issues. November's obsession with consumerism and December's hollow festivities underscore a society entrenched in materialism and apathy. Throughout 'Hexagone,' Renaud paints a picture of a nation in denial, unwilling to confront its own shortcomings and complicit in its own stagnation.

The recurring refrain, 'Etre né sous l'signe de l'hexagone,' underscores the disillusionment and frustration of being born in France, a country Renaud portrays as deeply flawed. His scathing commentary culminates in the assertion that the 'roi des cons,' or 'king of fools,' is undoubtedly French, a damning indictment of the nation's leadership and collective mentality.