Cheese

Stromae's song 'Cheese' delves into the complexities of societal expectations and the facade of politeness that people often wear. From the very beginning, the artist reflects on his childhood confusion and the pressure to conform. The lyrics 'Depuis que j'suis p'tit / Je n'ai rien compris' (Since I was little / I didn't understand anything) set the tone for a narrative of bewilderment and disillusionment. Stromae juxtaposes the innocence of youth with the harsh realities of adulthood, symbolized by 'les dieux' (the gods) who are actually 'marchands de sable' (sandmen) in suits, promising the moon without understanding the earth. This metaphor highlights the superficiality and materialism that often accompany adult responsibilities and societal roles.

The recurring line 'Je souris je sourirais' (I smile, I will smile) serves as a mantra of forced politeness. Stromae critiques the societal norm of masking true emotions with a smile, as emphasized in the lines 'Ils ont cru qu' je riais mais c'est meme pas vrai / Madame l'a dit, elle, il faut etre poli' (They thought I was laughing but it's not true / Madame said, you have to be polite). The act of saying 'cheese' for a photo becomes a metaphor for hiding one's true self behind a socially acceptable facade. This forced smile is not just a simple act of politeness but a deeper commentary on the pressure to conform and the emotional toll it takes.

The song also touches on the theme of using humor as a coping mechanism. Stromae mentions 'humour noir' (dark humor) and 'mauvais jeu de mot' (bad puns) as ways to deal with pain, but he insists that his laughter is genuine, not a 'sourire jaune' (yellow smile, or forced smile). The repetition of 'Je souris je sourirais' underscores the persistence of this facade, even in the face of suffering. Ultimately, 'Cheese' is a poignant exploration of the masks we wear and the emotional labor involved in maintaining them, urging listeners to question the authenticity of their own smiles.