Vieillir

In 'Vieillir,' Vivier Jean-Marie delves into the nuanced and often bittersweet experience of aging. The song's lyrics reflect a contemplative journey through the various stages and emotions associated with growing older. Jean-Marie poetically describes aging as a process of holding onto youthful memories while adapting to a slower pace of life. This duality is evident in lines like 'Vieillir c'est garder sa jeunesse comme un beau souvenir' (Aging is keeping your youth as a beautiful memory) and 'Réapprendre son corps pour pouvoir s'interdire' (Relearning your body to forbid yourself). These lines capture the essence of reconciling past vitality with present limitations.

The song also touches on the emotional and relational aspects of aging. Jean-Marie speaks of the resignation that comes with age, such as hoping for a happy future for one's children and living quietly without becoming isolated. The lyrics 'C'est aimer une femme pouvoir lui faire la cour / Pour d'autres raisons que la plastique de ses fesses' (It's loving a woman, being able to court her / For reasons other than the shape of her buttocks) highlight a shift from physical attraction to deeper, more meaningful connections. This evolution in relationships is further emphasized by the line 'Vieillir ce n'est plus faire l'amour mais c'est faire la tendresse' (Aging is no longer making love but making tenderness), suggesting a transition from passionate love to a more tender, enduring affection.

Jean-Marie also explores the existential and spiritual dimensions of aging. The lyrics 'C'est s'inquiéter soudain du salut de son âme' (It's suddenly worrying about the salvation of your soul) and 'Entrer dans une église sans bien savoir pourquoi' (Entering a church without really knowing why) reflect a growing concern for one's spiritual well-being and the search for meaning in the later stages of life. The song concludes with a poignant acceptance of mortality, as seen in 'Disparaître doucement parce que c'est comme ça' (Disappearing gently because that's how it is). This acceptance is not marked by fear but by a serene acknowledgment of life's natural course.

'Vieillir' is a deeply reflective and emotionally resonant song that captures the multifaceted experience of aging. Through its poetic lyrics, Vivier Jean-Marie offers a tender and honest portrayal of the joys, sorrows, and wisdom that come with growing older.