Être Et Avoir

In 'Être Et Avoir,' Zazie delves into the profound distinction between being and having, a theme that resonates deeply in our materialistic society. The song opens with a nostalgic reflection on simpler times, where 'two chairs, a table, a bed, a roof' were all that was needed. This minimalist lifestyle, coupled with youthful dreams, was sufficient for happiness. Zazie contrasts this with the present, where material possessions like cars and houses are abundant but fail to bring true fulfillment. The lyrics suggest that these acquisitions, while they may fill our lives, do not necessarily make us better people.

The chorus emphasizes the core message: 'Tout ce qu'on est, pas tout ce qu'on a' (All that we are, not all that we have). This line serves as a poignant reminder that our true value lies in our being, not in our possessions. Zazie critiques the societal obsession with 'more beautiful, more expensive, richer, stronger,' questioning the ultimate purpose of these efforts. She poignantly asks what will become of these treasures when we are gone, highlighting the futility of material wealth in the face of mortality. The song suggests that love and human connection are what we truly lack, and that the human condition has deteriorated as we have become more focused on material gain.

The song circles back to the simplicity of the past, reiterating that 'it takes little to be happy.' Zazie concludes with a reaffirmation of the song's central theme: 'All that we are, not all that we have.' This repetition drives home the message that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, from our relationships and our sense of self, rather than from external possessions. Through 'Être Et Avoir,' Zazie invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider what truly brings them joy and meaning.