Comme d'habitude

The song 'Comme d'habitude,' performed by French singer Claude François, is a poignant reflection on the routine and monotony that can infiltrate a romantic relationship over time. The title translates to 'As Usual' in English, and the lyrics paint a picture of a day in the life of a couple who have fallen into a pattern of habitual behavior, lacking the passion and connection they once had.

The song begins with the narrator waking up and noticing the small details of their partner's presence, yet there is a sense of detachment and resignation. The repeated phrase 'comme d'habitude' underscores the routine nature of their interactions. The narrator goes through the motions of their day, from dressing to leaving the house, all the while feeling the weight of the unspoken distance between them. The grayness outside mirrors the dullness of their emotional landscape.

As the song progresses, the narrator admits to pretending throughout the day, putting on a facade of normalcy and happiness. This act of pretending extends into the night when the partner returns home. The couple goes through the motions of intimacy, but it's clear that the actions are empty and performed out of habit rather than genuine desire. The song's melancholic tone suggests a longing for a time when the relationship was filled with real emotion and spontaneity, contrasting sharply with the current state of dispassionate routine.