Chemins de seine
Andréel Lyrics

The first verse of Andréel's "Chemins de Seine" depicts the river Seine, flowing through the nightlife of drunkards, as a metaphor for their aimless existence. The beer, their escape, only amplifies their bitterness which overflows in vain speech. The second verse describes how existential despair can unite people through shared pain, as the souls of these drinkers sit at the table of the past, enduring laughter mixed with tears. The chorus of the song highlights the contrast of misery and beauty, where desperate songs echo through the night, while bitter struggles are soaked in hot blood. These contrasts are further emphasized in the third stanza, where arid plains envy winter, representing the longing for something different. However, the quest for something more is rife within these individuals, and their own self-destructive tendencies intoxicate them.

The fourth and final verse focuses on the singer's own pitiful existence, as he lashes out in rage against society’s injustice, against those who society considers as "monsters." He also acknowledges those who have struggled before him but failed, like the astres fossils, who now lay broken as debris of their own vengeance. However, despite his own hardships, he clings to the idea that he can find solace within the world he has created for himself. He speaks of himself as a beggar wandering through the worlds of others, searching for that intimate moment when he can find the fairy of his dreams, or take up the holy cross that he lifts up.

Interestingly, "Chemins de Seine" is a tribute to the author Charles Baudelaire, with the lyrics full of references to his most famous works, most noticeably his poem "Invitation to a Voyage." The song itself has an extensive history, with versions of it being performed live by Andréel for almost a decade before being officially recorded. Andréel himself, who identifies as non-binary, has pushed for more representation and diversity within French music, making them a unique and important voice within the industry.