Le monde est stone
Starmania
The Desolate Cry of a Stone-Cold World
“Le monde est stone” by Starmania, a rock opera created by Michel Berger and Luc Plamondon, is a poignant exploration of existential despair and societal disillusionment. The song is performed by the character Marie-Jeanne, who expresses a deep sense of hopelessness and fatigue with life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of her mental state, where she feels overwhelmed and desires nothing more than to escape her suffering through sleep or even death. The repeated use of the word 'stone' symbolizes a world that is cold, unfeeling, and indifferent to her pain.
Marie-Jeanne's search for the sun in the middle of the night is a powerful metaphor for her quest for hope and meaning in a world that seems perpetually dark and devoid of warmth. This imagery suggests a profound inner turmoil and a sense of being lost, as she questions whether it is the world that is out of balance or if it is her own perception that is skewed. The reference to 'cinéma' indicates a sense of unreality, as if she is trapped in a nightmarish film where she cannot find a way out.
The song also critiques the relentless pursuit of success and material wealth, likening it to the construction of empires that can be easily destroyed like houses of cards. This metaphor underscores the futility and fragility of such endeavors, highlighting a sense of disillusionment with societal values. Marie-Jeanne's plea to be left alone or even to be put out of her misery reflects a deep-seated desire to escape the relentless pressures and expectations of modern life. The raw emotion and stark imagery in “Le monde est stone” make it a powerful commentary on the human condition and the search for meaning in an often harsh and uncaring world.