Jeune Homme
Christophe Mali Lyrics

The song “Jeune Homme” by Christophe Mali is a reflection on the struggles of a young man in his identity and in his love life. The song starts by describing the physical appearance of this young man: short hair, shaved head, fine features, and curved back indicating discomfort or unease. The young man is seen shedding tears as he looks up to the sky; perhaps searching for something, or releasing his pent up emotions. The persona in the song invites the young man’s partner to join him under the rainbow, symbolizing hope and promise of a better future.

The second verse talks about the young man’s life in his city. He is faced with the question of whether he will openly display his love or conceal it. The persona wonders if the young man will show his love proudly and wear it on his lapel or hide it away like a message in a bottle thrown out at sea. The young man is seen trying to fit in with his society as he engages in drinking and casual sex. He is searching for pleasure but finds only temporary satisfaction. The persona in the song addresses the young man and urges him to consider another option, to let go of his desires like a message in a bottle to the sea.

The last verse describes the young man’s life in Paris by night. He is searching for his identity and his desires. The persona describes a scene of a gay men's club, where the young man takes part in a hunt, with muscular, pale men chasing each other. The persona suggests that the young man may feel like an angel, searching for something deeper or more profound. At the end, the chorus is repeated with the phrase “Atteindre le dix-septième ciel,” meaning to reach the seventeenth heaven, implying that the young man is searching for something beyond what is ordinary, but perhaps not fully realizing what that is.