The song "Tropical" by Gaël Faye is a freestyle tropical song that depicts the experiences and observations of the artist in a tropical environment. The lyrics touch upon various themes such as cultural identity, societal issues, and personal reflections. In the opening lines, Faye compares the instability of his homeland ("La patrie est bancale") to the controversial speech by former French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Dakar. He then mentions the intense heat and sweating, referring to a popular beer called Mützig. Faye describes the nuisances of the environment he is in, with thieves and drunkards being compared to mosquitos. He portrays himself as being stuck in an isolated village, asking the DJ to play a boom-bap sample reminiscent of an old wise man. The artist raps confidently and effortlessly, claiming that he does not need happiness as evident from the gaps between his teeth. He boasts about being able to break necks metaphorically with his music and references trance-like rhythms and shamanic influences. Faye expresses a desire to leave behind the luxurious West and return to his poverty-stricken hometown, longing to groove with his motherland. The torrid heat and dry sweat beads are compared to a necklace made of cowrie shells. In the next section, Faye continues to describe his village, which he humorously calls "Chinatown" as everything seems to be Chinese. He offers his brother tea or cobalt, symbolizing the blending of different cultures. The rhythm is present throughout the village, from the mortar and pestle to the lullabies of children. He emphasizes the unity and storytelling aspect of his village, where everyone gathers around a crackling fire. The cyber café has replaced the traditional gathering place, marked by the ancient spirit having a wounded soul. Faye then suggests a sense of zen and importance of ancestral wisdom, offering to sell everything as he jokingly refers to himself as "mama Benz". He mentions the devilish rap and Sahelian gospel music, highlighting the unique fusion of influences that create this angelic music. The final section of the song talks about the intense heat again, this time comparing the hot air of a fan to losing muscle mass. Faye describes the haze in his brain and the need to cool off by putting his head in the refrigerator, metaphorically seeking relief from the tropical climate. Overall, "Tropical" showcases Gaël Faye's observations and reflections on life in a tropical environment, blending personal experiences with social commentary. The song expresses a longing for the homeland, cultural identity, and the unique fusion of influences that shape one's experiences in such an environment.
