Vu de l'extérieur

Serge Gainsbourg's song 'Vu de l'extérieur' delves into the dichotomy between external beauty and internal reality. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship where the protagonist is initially captivated by the physical allure of his partner. He repeatedly acknowledges her external beauty, using phrases like 'Tu es belle vu de l'extérieur' (You are beautiful from the outside). However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that this external beauty is contrasted sharply with an unpleasant internal reality. The protagonist expresses regret and disillusionment, lamenting that what lies beneath the surface is 'pas beau même assez dégoûtant' (not beautiful, even quite disgusting).

Gainsbourg's use of crude and explicit language serves to emphasize the stark contrast between appearance and reality. The repeated refrain 'Va te faire voir, va faire voir ailleurs' (Go away, go show yourself elsewhere) underscores the protagonist's desire to distance himself from the internal ugliness he has discovered. This refrain, coupled with the detailed descriptions of the partner's physical attributes, highlights the superficiality of the initial attraction and the subsequent disappointment upon deeper exploration.

The song can be seen as a commentary on the superficial nature of human relationships and the often harsh reality that lies beneath the surface. Gainsbourg, known for his provocative and often controversial lyrics, uses this song to explore themes of disillusionment and the fleeting nature of physical attraction. The repetitive structure of the song, with its cyclical return to the refrain, mirrors the cyclical nature of such superficial relationships, where initial attraction inevitably leads to disappointment.

'Vu de l'extérieur' is a quintessential Gainsbourg piece, blending his characteristic wit and cynicism with a raw and unfiltered look at human relationships. The song's exploration of the duality of beauty and the inevitable disillusionment that follows offers a poignant reflection on the nature of attraction and the often harsh reality that lies beneath the surface.