Le Déserteur

Boris Vian's song 'Le Déserteur' is a poignant and powerful anti-war anthem, written in the form of an open letter to the President. The song's narrator, who has received his military draft papers, declares his intention to desert rather than participate in the war. This declaration is not made lightly; it is a deeply personal and moral decision, rooted in the narrator's experiences and losses. The opening lines set a respectful yet firm tone, as the narrator addresses the President directly, explaining his refusal to kill innocent people and his decision to desert.

The song delves into the narrator's past, revealing the profound impact of war on his life. He recounts the deaths of his father and brothers, the suffering of his mother, and the loss of his wife and soul while he was a prisoner. These personal tragedies underscore the futility and devastation of war, painting a vivid picture of the human cost. The narrator's resolve to close the door on his past and seek a new life on the roads of France is a powerful metaphor for rejecting the cycle of violence and choosing a path of peace.

In the final verses, the narrator calls on others to join him in refusing to obey and participate in the war. He urges people to reject the call to arms and to live their lives in peace. The song's closing lines, where the narrator warns the President that he will be unarmed if pursued, highlight his commitment to non-violence. 'Le Déserteur' is a timeless and moving appeal for peace, capturing the anguish and moral conviction of those who refuse to be complicit in the horrors of war.