C'est Pas Ma Faute
Roméo & Juliette
The Burden of Inherited Hatred in 'C'est Pas Ma Faute'
The song 'C'est Pas Ma Faute' by Roméo & Juliette, performed by Tom Ross as Tybalt, delves into the complex emotions of a character who feels trapped by the circumstances of his upbringing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a childhood marred by deception and betrayal, where the protagonist's memories are tainted by falsehoods. Tybalt's lament that 'les souvenirs qu'on invente sont les plus beaux' (the memories we invent are the most beautiful) underscores the pain of a reality that is too harsh to bear, leading him to create a more palatable version of his past.
Tybalt's sense of isolation is palpable as he describes growing up in an environment filled with hatred and contempt. The lines 'On m'a volé la mienne, on m'a trahi' (They stole mine from me, they betrayed me) and 'Je suis le fils de la haine et du mépris' (I am the son of hatred and contempt) highlight the deep-seated resentment he harbors. This resentment is not just personal but is also a reflection of the societal and familial pressures that have shaped his identity. Tybalt's repeated assertion that 'C'est pas ma faute' (It's not my fault) serves as a desperate plea for understanding and absolution, emphasizing that his actions are a product of his upbringing rather than his own choices.
The song also explores the theme of inherited violence and the cyclical nature of vengeance. Tybalt sees himself as 'le bras de leur vengeance' (the arm of their vengeance), indicating that he feels compelled to continue the legacy of violence instilled in him by his parents. This sense of duty and obedience to a destructive path is further reinforced by his claim that he 'leur doit obéissance' (owes them obedience). The repetition of 'C'est pas ma faute' throughout the song serves as a haunting reminder of the inescapable influence of one's origins and the struggle to break free from a predetermined fate.