Docteur Jekyll Et Monsieur Hyde

Serge Gainsbourg's song 'Docteur Jekyll Et Monsieur Hyde' delves into the complex nature of human duality, inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novella 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.' The lyrics explore the internal conflict between the good and evil sides of a person, represented by Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, respectively. Gainsbourg's interpretation brings a modern, almost conversational tone to this timeless theme, making it accessible and relatable to contemporary audiences.

The dialogue in the song, where one voice insists on being Mr. Hyde and not Dr. Jekyll, highlights the struggle between the two personas. Dr. Jekyll, the respectable and kind-hearted individual, is overshadowed by Mr. Hyde, his darker, more sinister alter ego. This internal battle is a metaphor for the hidden, often suppressed, darker aspects of human nature that can emerge under certain circumstances. Gainsbourg's portrayal suggests that these darker traits are not only present but can sometimes dominate, as seen when Mr. Hyde 'makes the skin' of Dr. Jekyll, implying a complete takeover.

Gainsbourg also touches on themes of love and rejection. Dr. Jekyll's experiences with women who mock him contrast sharply with Mr. Hyde's more assertive and perhaps more appealing demeanor. This dichotomy suggests that society often values and is drawn to the more assertive, even if morally ambiguous, aspects of a person. The song ultimately reflects on the tragic realization that the darker side, Mr. Hyde, is the one that people are drawn to, leading to the demise of the more virtuous Dr. Jekyll.