Ces Petits Riens

In 'Ces Petits Riens,' Zaz delves into the intricate emotions tied to seemingly insignificant moments and memories. The song's title, which translates to 'These Little Nothings,' sets the stage for a reflection on the small, often overlooked details that can hold immense emotional weight. Zaz suggests that it's better to think of nothing than to be consumed by thoughts, especially those related to a past relationship. This notion is encapsulated in the lines, 'Mieux vaut n'penser à rien / Que n'pas penser du tout,' which means 'Better to think of nothing than not to think at all.' Here, 'nothing' becomes a paradoxical concept, representing both emptiness and a form of emotional liberation.

The song also explores the idea of memory and forgetfulness. Zaz sings, 'On se souvient de rien / Et puisqu'on oublie tout,' meaning 'We remember nothing, and since we forget everything.' This reflects the transient nature of memories and how they can fade over time, yet still leave a lasting impact. The 'little nothings' she refers to are the small gestures and moments that once held significance in her relationship. These fragments, though seemingly trivial, are pieced together to form a mosaic of past emotions and experiences.

Zaz's poignant lyrics also touch on the pain of unreciprocated feelings. She contrasts her own emotional depth with the perceived emptiness of her former lover, singing, 'Mais vous vous n'avez rien / Dans le cœur et j'avoue / Je vous envie / Je vous en veux beaucoup,' which translates to 'But you have nothing in your heart, and I admit, I envy you, I resent you a lot.' This juxtaposition highlights the emotional imbalance in the relationship, where one person is deeply affected while the other remains indifferent. Ultimately, Zaz concludes that she no longer wants anything from this person, recognizing that to be with them would require a level of madness she is unwilling to embrace.