Meme Les Heros
Eddy Mitchell Lyrics

The lyrics of Eddy Mitchell's song "Même Les Héros" delve into the disillusionment and mundanity that can come with pursuing a dream or idealized fantasy, in this case, that of becoming a private detective. The singer expresses how they had long dreamt of becoming a private detective, donning a hat and a pair of sunglasses, giving off an air of mystery and destiny. However, instead of exciting cases and thrilling adventures, the reality of the job entails staking out metro exits to catch cheating spouses and dealing with paranoid individuals. This shift from the romanticized image of detective work to the mundane reality reflects a sense of disappointment and resignation on the singer's part.

The chorus of the song, "Même Les Héros Boivent de l'eau" (Even heroes drink water), serves as a poignant reminder that even those who are idolized or perceived as extraordinary individuals have their own flaws and mundane habits. The mention of iconic fictional detective Philip Marlowe drinking Johnny Walker or Chivas Brothers whiskey on the rocks with water further emphasizes this theme of humanizing larger-than-life figures. The act of drinking water amidst the glamour of liquor symbolizes grounding oneself in reality and the everyday, despite the desires or expectations one may have.

As the lyrics progress, the singer details the cases they find themselves involved in, from tracking infidelities to locating a lost dog based on a photo. These seemingly banal tasks further highlight the disconnect between the singer's aspirations of thrilling investigations and the routine, unglamorous nature of their actual job. The repetition of the phrase "Même les héros se foutent à l'eau" (Even heroes throw themselves into the water) conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance of the less glamorous aspects of their profession, implying that heroism and glamour often give way to the mundane realities of life.

The mention of medications like Gardénal causing harm even with plenty of water further underscores the theme of disillusionment and the toll that pursuing one's dreams can take on a person. The song ultimately captures the bittersweet realization that even heroes, whether in fiction or in real life, are not immune to the everyday struggles and challenges that come with existence. Through its introspective lyrics and melancholic tone, "Même Les Héros" invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of human aspirations, the inevitability of disappointment, and the beauty found in embracing the ordinary amidst the extraordinary.