The song "Je Pars" (I'm Leaving) by Gaël Faye tells the story of someone who is leaving their current life behind in search of a better world filled with light and colors. The lyrics express feelings of dissatisfaction and pain, and a desire to escape from a gray and racist society. The protagonist feels that the older generation has lost their wisdom and become bitter, and they want to distance themselves from this negativity. They long for the innocence and laughter of children and have suffered enough in their personal struggles. They have already packed their bags and are determined to leave, as they find the current way of life in their surroundings scandalous. The pain they feel is overwhelming, and they believe that strength is required to face life's challenges, but they have lost their defenses. There will be no promises or updates once they've left, and they had to gather courage to activate their departure. They compare their departure to passing on a torch to find their own version of Abyssinia (an ancient name for Ethiopia), just like the poet Arthur Rimbaud. The chorus expresses their determination to embark on this journey. They invite others to join them if they desire. They are leaving for the rainy season but imply that their departure is not limited to a specific time frame; it encompasses the past, present, and future. The lyrics mention their longing for simple pleasures, like wearing a straw hat and lying on a beach chair. They want to forget about the constant transit through airports and charter flights. They desire peaceful nights under a starry sky, observing the galaxy. They criticize the lack of flexibility and excessive work ethic in their current society, expressing a preference for eating curry rice and juicy mangoes instead of dealing with the consequences of mad cow disease. They yearn for a sun that will tan their shining skin rather than being labeled with racial slurs. They want their cheeks and cheekbones to stay warm all year round. They desire simple people and genuine smiles, as they feel unsupported and unwelcome where they currently live. They express a desire to live by rhythms and melodies, freeing themselves from the chains that culture has put on them. They invite others to join them in their world, where they can find their heart amidst the ruins. Towards the end of the song, the lyrics shift in a more introspective and emotional direction. The protagonist pleads for love and peace, referring to the dream they had on August 28th in DC, possibly a reference to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. They acknowledge that pain is an intrinsic part of their existence and compare themselves to a lonely child, an orphan of the world. They describe their living conditions as being trapped in a sad and wintry morning, experiencing an infernal hell. They seek joy in their darkness and hope for an end to their torment. In the final lines, they invite others to come and die with them, like the waves on the beach. They ask others to read the melancholy in their pages and describe the deteriorating state of their surroundings, with bent palm trees and the seashore turning into a sad dumping ground. They mention erosion exposing the hills of rum, possibly alluding to the negative effects of colonialism and the changes in their homeland. Despite the hardships, they find solace in music, as notes and words stand tall like soldiers. Overall, "Je Pars" narrates a personal journey of leaving behind a troubled life in search of a better future. It conveys a sense of disillusionment and a desire for escape from a society filled with prejudice, loss of values, and hardships.
