Et Maintenant

Gregory Lemarchal's song 'Et Maintenant' is a poignant exploration of the emptiness and despair that follows the end of a significant relationship. The lyrics delve into the protagonist's sense of loss and confusion, as he grapples with the question, 'Et maintenant que vais-je faire?' which translates to 'And now, what will I do?' This question is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the depth of his uncertainty and the void left by his partner's departure.

The song's narrative is steeped in melancholy, as the protagonist reflects on the meaningless passage of time and the indifference of the people around him. The nights feel endless and purposeless, and even the mornings bring no solace. The heart, once full of love, now beats too loudly, a painful reminder of what once was. The imagery of Paris, a city often associated with romance and vibrancy, now 'crève d'ennui' or 'dies of boredom,' further underscores the protagonist's profound sense of loss and disconnection.

In the latter part of the song, the protagonist contemplates various ways to cope with his grief, from laughing to avoid crying to burning through sleepless nights. However, these attempts at distraction are futile, and he ultimately envisions a bleak future where he sees 'la fin du chemin' or 'the end of the road' in his mirror. The repetition of 'Je n'ai vraiment plus rien à faire' ('I really have nothing left to do') and the final, stark 'Rien' ('Nothing') encapsulate the depth of his despair and the sense of a life devoid of meaning without his loved one.