Un Goût Sur Tes Lèvres is a song by Jean-Jacques Goldman, a French singer-songwriter. The lyrics of the song delve into various aspects of human behavior, posing questions about love, power, deception, self-deception, societal issues, and personal struggles. The song starts by talking about a bitter taste on someone's lips after kisses, symbolizing a sense of disillusionment or disappointment that follows moments of intimacy. It raises questions about how many disappointments or fears it takes before someone speaks up or pleads for mercy. Goldman also questions the extent of hunger and desperation one must endure before fighting back or submitting to others' demands. He explores the idea of power and how easily it can be abused, as well as the illusions people create before finally walking away from a situation. The chorus repeats the idea of a taste on someone's lips, emphasizing that it represents more than just a physical sensation. It implies that identity and perception may be deceiving and that people may not be who they appear to be. The song continues to ask how long it takes to raise a child compared to the instant it takes to harm them, highlighting the fragility of relationships and the potential for violence. Goldman also questions the number of dreams abandoned along the way and the self-deceptions people embrace to find contentment. He touches upon the idea of masks and the lengths one goes to maintain a facade, as well as the cycle of farewells and comebacks. Goldman poses questions about failure and the realization that leads to change, as well as the radical actions people take in protest or frustration. The second chorus reinforces the idea of a taste on the lips, raising questions about trust and the hidden motives behind appearances. The song asks how long it takes for love to become routine and for meaningful connections to be lost. It also explores the idea of integration, asking how many immigrants are necessary before someone truly feels part of a society. Goldman questions the pressure to forsake principles and the desires that lead to deceit and betrayal. He asks how much loneliness one endures before seeking help, how many follow others blindly, and how much success or money it takes for someone to change. The song also touches upon the harmful actions people take towards those they perceive as different. The lyrics raise the question of how many words it takes to hurt or heal and how much hope one clings to before facing poverty or despair. The song concludes with the repeated question of "Combien?" (How many?) and leaves it open-ended, inviting listeners to reflect on the various themes and questions raised throughout the song. Overall, "Un Goût Sur Tes Lèvres" addresses profound aspects of human existence and societal issues, highlighting the complexity of emotions, relationships, and the struggles individuals face in navigating the world around them.
