Rocking Chair
Isabelle Adjani Lyrics

The lyrics of Isabelle Adjani's song Rocking chair are layered with literary references that add depth and complexity to the themes of love, desire, and identity explored in the song. The first verse alludes to the controversial author Henry Miller and his novel Tropic of Cancer, which was banned for its graphic content and provocative themes. The juxtaposition of "amour pervers" (perverse love) and Miller's whisperings suggest a dangerous and erotic connection between the singer and the author. The use of the phrase "chair de poulette littéraire" (literary chick flesh) highlights the objectification of women in literature and society, and the tension between the singer's desire to embody this literary ideal and the reality of her own physical and emotional struggles.

In the second verse, the singer references the poet and art critic Guillaume Apollinaire and his use of "sévères" (severe) and "pas mûres" (immature) in his poetry. This reference could be interpreted as a comment on the singer's own conflicting emotions and desires, as she feels both overwhelmed and underwhelmed by the various literary influences that shape her identity. The use of the phrase "onze mille ver-ges" (eleven thousand rods), which was the title of an erotic novel by Guillaume Apollinaire, further reinforces the erotic undertones of the song. The repeated phrase "rock-rocking-chair," with its rhythmic and hypnotic quality, creates a sense of urgency and restlessness that reflects the singer's inner turmoil.

The final verse introduces the character of Humbert Humbert, the singer of Vladimir Nabokov's novel Lolita, and suggests a desire for escape and freedom from the constraints of reality. The singer's wish to become "légère comme du polyester" (light as polyester) implies a desire for transformation and transcendence, a desire to become something other than what she is. The mention of the "rock in chair" suggests a playful and rebellious attitude, as the singer dances and rocks to her own beat, defying conventions and expectations. Overall, the lyrics of Rocking chair are a rich and complex exploration of the themes of love, desire, identity, and literature, and showcase Isabelle Adjani's skill as a poet and songwriter.