"C'est Cool" is a song by Gaël Faye, a Rwandan-French rapper and singer. The lyrics depict the artist's perspective on growing up in a small country and the impact of television on his youth. Faye reflects on how television served as a window to the world, bringing distant global events and the shared experience of watching television shows to his community. The song emphasizes the influence of television and media on shaping people's worldview. It mentions significant events, such as Roger Mila's participation in the World Cup, the Gulf War led by George H.W. Bush, and the looting of pipelines, all of which were witnessed through television. Faye also highlights the disconnect between the struggles faced by people in different parts of the world and the indifference shown by those who watch TV comfortably, unaware of the suffering experienced by others. Faye critiques the weight given to celebrity news, pointing out that the death of Lady Diana receives more attention than the deaths of millions in Africa. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding the reality faced by others. Faye also mentions his own displacement and how he seeks solace in television, using it as a means of escape from the harshness of his surroundings. The song's chorus repeats the phrase "C'est cool, ma jeunesse s'écoule." In English, it translates to "It's cool, my youth is flowing." This line reflects the resignation and acceptance of the passing of time, with both significant historical events, like the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, serving as markers of the artist's youth. Overall, "C'est Cool" serves as a reflection on the impact of television on shaping individual perspectives and the dissonance between media portrayals and the lived reality of people around the world. It encourages a deeper understanding and engagement with the complexities of global events rather than accepting the simplified narratives offered by the media.
