J'ai déjà donné
Debout sur le zinc Lyrics

In "J'ai déjà donné" by Debout sur le zinc, the lyrics express a sense of exhaustion and weariness in the face of emotional vulnerability. The singer describes their past experiences of giving everything they had in a relationship, leading to tears, pain, and vulnerability. They acknowledge that they have fallen numerous times, but they decide not to dwell on counting those moments.

The lyrics suggest the importance of forgiveness in a harsh world. The singer acknowledges that the world can be tough and difficult, urging not to pour fuel on the fire. Despite the pain they have suffered, they still burn with the desire to communicate and connect with the person they are addressing. However, they also confess to having made mistakes in the past, and they choose not to count those moments of missteps.

As time goes by, resignation takes hold. The singer succumbs to the wear and tear of their emotions, redirecting their steps away from the game (the metaphorical chessboard of love). They imply that if nothing is meant to last, they will eventually forget the person they are talking about. However, they also admit to keeping everything that they owe to this person deep within themselves, suggesting that even if they move on, the impact of the relationship will always remain.

Overall, "J'ai déjà donné" reveals a sense of fatigue and lessons learned from past experiences of giving too much in a relationship. The lyrics convey the message of forgiveness and acceptance of the hardships of life. The singer acknowledges their mistakes while expressing the fading hope and eventual resignation that comes from emotional exhaustion. Despite this, they recognize the lasting impact that the relationship has had on them.