"En Residence #1 (Acoustic Freestyle)" is a song by Gaël Faye, a French-Rwandan artist. The lyrics of this song touch upon various themes, such as corruption, oppression, and the struggle for identity. Faye begins the song by emphasizing the importance of each word, symbolizing the power of language and its impact. He then describes his origins, coming from a place where life is fragile and can be easily taken away by a metallic object, referring to the violence he has witnessed. The artist criticizes the corruption in society, comparing it to a cancerous disease that spreads rapidly. He also depicts a sense of hopelessness, where even the small things like punctuation marks are stolen. Faye suggests that the public opinion often seems cynical and indifferent, distinguishing between speaking out against evil and actually doing good. Faye addresses his own emotions and experiences, expressing a sense of emptiness and detachment. He mentions the atrocities his people have experienced, comparing them to mass graves. He refuses to sing the war anthem of "La Marseillaise" by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, suggesting that he is from an era where half of the world still lives under colonial control. The artist criticizes the pollution of rights by those in power and laments that they have turned people into victims and discarded them like trash. He states that there is an overflow of greed and consumption, leading to scarcity. He believes that the remedies offered by the powerful are actually deadly, comparing them to curare, a poisonous substance. Despite the darkness and oppression, Faye states that he will light a candle to read the walls of memory. He finds the world dull and the corruption overwhelming, quoting a fellow Baye Fall brother who said that even rivers wither. Faye reflects on his life, focusing on his time and personal growth rather than materialistic gains, highlighting the transient nature of existence. The artist admits that he does not have all the answers and remains contemplative. He mentions the misty weather and unyielding laws, implying a sense of confinement. He acknowledges the transitory nature of his life, comparing it to a fixed-term employment contract. Faye contemplates the mistakes made in the past and expresses that if given another chance, he and others like him would work to perfect their actions rather than repeat the same errors. He uses wordplay and metaphors, rapping about the challenges and contradictions of success and how he grapples with them. The artist mentions the economic crisis and how it affects young people, causing them to be unemployed and idle. He apologizes for potentially sounding out of place, but from his perspective, he only feels an oppressive system. Faye questions where they will all be when the time for self-discovery arrives. In conclusion, "En Residence #1 (Acoustic Freestyle)" is a poignant and introspective song by Gaël Faye. It delves into themes of corruption, oppression, societal challenges, personal growth, and the struggle for identity.
