L'espoir fait vivre
Benjamin Biolay Lyrics

The lyrics of Benjamin Biolay's song "L'espoir fait vivre" speak to the concept of hope and its impact on our lives. The song poses a series of questions, asking how long it will take before certain desired outcomes are achieved. It touches on themes of love, happiness, reunions, and self-realization.

The opening lines ask how long it will be before we experience true love and the admiration of others. It questions the time it will take for joy and sunshine to fill our lives completely. The mention of spring symbolizes the anticipation of engagement and diving into the ocean, suggesting a longing for commitment and exploration. The final question in the stanza asks how much time will pass before we gather the courage to leave, to take action.

The chorus repeats the phrase "L'espoir fait vivre," meaning "Hope keeps us alive." This repetition emphasizes the importance of holding onto hope and how it sustains us in difficult times. The lyrics acknowledge that living with hope is what allows us to continue, to survive. The phrase "Vivre d'espoir" translates to "Living on hope," highlighting the idea that hope is not just a feeling but a way of life.

The second stanza explores the concept of happiness and the joy of being alive. It mentions religious symbols, crosses, and the image of a white ceiling, perhaps alluding to a sense of spiritual awakening and reaching a celestial state. The mention of a Persian carpet suggests the anticipation of reunions and the comfort of familiar surroundings. The final line of the stanza alludes to the potential for revenge and violence, posing a sobering question about how long until such retaliatory acts occur.

The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the message of hope's vital role in our existence. The final lines inquire about the time it will take to achieve ultimate love, to be true to ourselves without feeling degraded. The mention of someone's return prompts a reflection on how long it will be before things become disappointing, perhaps implying the transient nature of relationships.

Overall, "L'espoir fait vivre" is a contemplative and introspective song that highlights the power of hope in sustaining us through life's challenges and uncertainties.