Humain À L'eau

Stromae's song 'Humain À L'eau' is a powerful critique of modern society's disregard for both the environment and indigenous cultures. The Belgian artist, known for his eclectic mix of electronic music and poignant lyrics, uses this song to voice his frustration with the way 'modernized' humans treat the planet and its original inhabitants. The title itself, which translates to 'Human Overboard,' suggests a sense of urgency and a call to action against the ongoing environmental and cultural degradation.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references. Stromae juxtaposes the 'modern' human with indigenous peoples, such as the Papuans and the Maasai, to highlight the arrogance and ignorance of those who consider themselves more 'evolved.' He criticizes the exploitation of natural resources, symbolized by the melting glaciers and deforestation of the Amazon. The line 'Moi parler des glaciers, Si coulés moi fâché' (I talk about glaciers, If they melt, I get angry) underscores his deep concern for the environment. The imagery of piercing the ozone layer and the penile sheath serves as a stark metaphor for the irreversible damage being done to the planet.

Stromae also addresses the cultural insensitivity and hypocrisy of modern society. He points out the absurdity of respecting some cultures while disregarding others, as seen in the lines 'Je respecte les Pygmées, Donc respecte les Maassaï' (I respect the Pygmies, So respect the Maasai). The song criticizes the superficial efforts of aid and delegation, which often fail to address the root causes of problems. The repeated refrain 'Humain à l'eau' serves as a haunting reminder of the dire consequences of our actions, urging listeners to reconsider their impact on the world.

In essence, 'Humain À L'eau' is a call for environmental and cultural respect. Stromae uses his platform to shed light on the pressing issues of climate change and cultural preservation, urging us to rethink our actions and their far-reaching consequences. The song is a poignant reminder that true evolution lies in understanding and respecting the world and its diverse inhabitants.