The song "Le Café" by Guizmo tells the story of a person who falls into a destructive cycle of addiction, starting with the purchase of cigarettes. In order to fit in and be considered cool, they indulge in tobacco, girls, and parties. The protagonist roams the streets of Paris, constantly on the lookout for trendy bars and cafes to hang out in. Initially, they find a café in their neighborhood that they like and start spending a lot of time there, smoking cigarettes and trying to enjoy themselves. However, instead of finding true happiness, they only find themselves getting lost and wandering away from their goals. Their girlfriend becomes upset with their choices and wants to leave them, adding more strain to their already dangerous situation. As time passes, the protagonist becomes a regular at the café, spending their evenings there with their friends. They develop a habit of spending their money on cigarettes and drinks, causing their dental health to deteriorate. The café becomes a place where they indulge in black coffee or decaffeinated options, and they make plans to meet the next day if they cannot spend more time together. The addictive spiral intensifies, and they become more dependent on the café and its atmosphere. They start relying on government assistance and are considered part of the "chômeurs" or "racailles" (slang for unemployed people). Despite being 25 years old, they spend their days in front of the café, aiming to accumulate wealth. The protagonist forms a relationship with the café owner, who covers for them when they are short on money for the pinball machine. They become regular customers, although they lose track of how long they have been coming there. They order a beer and find amusement in jokes about Lucien, an old man who has been a regular at the café for a long time. Lucien is described as talking to himself and finding solace in drinking, even though it only worsens his condition. The café becomes an escape for Lucien, who is trapped in his own depression and relies on alcohol to cope. He started frequenting the café after his wife left him, seeking solace and a way to forget. However, alcohol has taken a toll on him, and he now struggles with his mental and physical well-being. The smell of stale tobacco, discarded lottery tickets, and the voices of drunkards further envelop the café. As time passes, the protagonist witnesses the damaging effects of addictive behaviors in the café. They see people ruin their lives believing they can recover their losses. Jefferson, a regular customer, epitomizes this behavior, finding either stardom or insignificance depending on his horse's performance at the races. He falls victim to gambling addiction, experiencing losses until he finally starts contemplating his choices. The protagonist emphasizes the allure of addictive behaviors, particularly in the café setting. They note how even when people commit to quitting, they often end up returning to their vices. The song serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of addiction and how it can impact not only an individual but also their loved ones. The lyrics also mention the singer, Kery James, presumably as someone who understands the struggles with addiction and can relate to the story being told. Overall, "Le Café" is a reflection on the destructive nature of addiction, specifically within the context of a neighborhood café. It explores the slippery slope of starting with cigarettes and gradually moving towards more detrimental habits, such as heavy drinking and gambling. The song ultimately warns against getting too attached to the allure of the café lifestyle and the dangers it can bring.
