La Cible Qui Bouge
Jane Birkin Lyrics


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Près du flipper qui passe au vert
Qui passe au rouge
Je danse seule
Juste pour le plaisir de danser
Je remue des hanches
C'est comme une cible qui bouge
Sur l'bas d'mon dos
Le regard des hommes est braqué

J'aime les coins un peu sordides
J'aime les bouges
J'aime les zincs
J'aime les bistrots enfumés
Je remue des hanches
C'est comme une cible qui bouge
Je prends un malin plaisir à les allumer

J'marche au coca
Tandis qu'les autres marchent au rouge
Au bout d'une plombe
Ils se mettent tous à tituber
Je remue des hanches
C'est comme une cible qui bouge
Et c'est pas rare
Que ça finisse par bagarrer

Près du flipper qui passe au vert
Qui passe au rouge
Je danse seule
Juste pour le plaisir de danser
Je remue des hanches




C'est comme une cible qui bouge
Salut les mecs, vendredi soir je reviendrai

Overall Meaning

The song "La Cible Qui Bouge" by Jane Birkin is a playful and flirtatious reflection on the power dynamics between men and women in a social setting. The lyrics talk about the singer dancing alone near a pinball machine that alternates between green and red lights. This represents the various signals and attention she receives from men. Dancing alone is an act of liberation, done simply for the joy of dancing and expressing oneself freely.


As she moves her hips, she becomes like a moving target, drawing the gaze of men. The line "Sur l'bas d'mon dos, Le regard des hommes est braqué" suggests that the men's attention is fixated on her backside, objectifying her. Despite this objectification, she takes pleasure in teasing and arousing their desire. She enjoys the slightly seedy corners, bars, and smoky bistros, places that are often associated with hidden desires and intimate encounters.


The lyrics also touch upon the theme of independence and rebellion. While others may conform to societal norms and "march au rouge," meaning following the rules, she chooses to go against the grain by marching to her own beat, represented by "j'marche au coca." This implies that she is not constrained by societal expectations or judgments. While others become intoxicated and lose control, she remains in control of her actions and desires.


Despite the playful and sensual tone of the song, there is an underlying sense of danger and aggression. The line "Et c'est pas rare, Que ça finisse par bagarrer" suggests that her provocative behavior might sometimes lead to fights or conflicts. This could reflect the consequences of breaking social norms or the reactions of jealous men who feel challenged or rejected.


In the final lines, she addresses the "guys" she encounters, saying that she will come back on Friday night. This indicates that she is confident and unapologetic in her choices, ready to continue dancing, teasing, and enjoying herself.


Overall, "La Cible Qui Bouge" explores themes of autonomy, liberation, and the dynamics of power and desire in social interactions. Jane Birkin's interpretation captures the essence of a woman who embraces her own agency and challenges traditional expectations.


Line by Line Meaning

Près du flipper qui passe au vert
Next to the pinball machine that turns green


Qui passe au rouge
That then turns red


Je danse seule
I dance alone


Juste pour le plaisir de danser
Just for the pleasure of dancing


Je remue des hanches
I sway my hips


C'est comme une cible qui bouge
It's like a moving target


Sur l'bas d'mon dos
On the lower part of my back


Le regard des hommes est braqué
The gaze of men is fixed


J'aime les coins un peu sordides
I like slightly seedy places


J'aime les bouges
I like dives


J'aime les zincs
I like zinc bars


J'aime les bistrots enfumés
I like smoky bistros


Je remue des hanches
I sway my hips


C'est comme une cible qui bouge
It's like a moving target


Je prends un malin plaisir à les allumer
I take a devious pleasure in teasing them


J'marche au coca
I walk on Coca-Cola


Tandis qu'les autres marchent au rouge
While others walk on red


Au bout d'une plombe
After an hour


Ils se mettent tous à tituber
They all start to stagger


Je remue des hanches
I sway my hips


C'est comme une cible qui bouge
It's like a moving target


Et c'est pas rare
And it's not rare


Que ça finisse par bagarrer
For it to end up in a fight


Près du flipper qui passe au vert
Next to the pinball machine that turns green


Qui passe au rouge
That then turns red


Je danse seule
I dance alone


Juste pour le plaisir de danser
Just for the pleasure of dancing


Je remue des hanches
I sway my hips


C'est comme une cible qui bouge
It's like a moving target


Salut les mecs, vendredi soir je reviendrai
Hey guys, I'll be back Friday night




Lyrics © MELODY NELSON PUBLISHING
Written by: Jean-Claude Vannier, Serge Gainsbourg

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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