Une poussière
Jean-Jacques Goldman Lyrics

The opening verse of Jean-Jacques Goldman's Une poussière sets the stage for a haunting and thought-provoking journey into a hot, desolate desert. As the lyrics unfold, we find ourselves in a state of anticipation, waiting to discover the identity of "quelqu'un" - someone who is advancing out of the silence toward us. Goldman poses a series of questions about this person's motivations and intentions - is he peaceful, or hostile? A religious fanatic, or a doctor? A soldier, or a tourist? In the face of such uncertainty, we can only wonder at the implications of his approach. Will he bring aid, or destruction?

Meanwhile, the land itself is under threat, caught in the crosshairs of powerful economic and political conundrums. The second verse poses the question of whether the land is worth anything - will it yield gold or iron? What should the brothers do in response, and how can they possibly move forward? This verse highlights the way in which human greed and ambition often ride roughshod over the natural world, leaving destruction and disillusionment in their wake.

Throughout Une poussière, Goldman's powerful lyrics paint a vivid portrait of a world in turmoil. The presence of the mysterious stranger, the challenges facing the barren landscape, and the sense of impending danger all sweep the listener along on a journey of profound emotional depth.