Oui et non
Jean-Louis Aubert Lyrics

The lyrics to Jean-Louis Aubert's song, "Oui et non," delve into the complexity and challenges of love, and the difficulties that arise when two people have differing opinions and desires. The opening line "Un amour qui s'en va" ("A love that goes away") establishes a sense of uncertainty and impermanence. The following lines "C'est toi, c'est moi un peu" ("It's you, it's me a little") acknowledge the mutual responsibility that both partners hold in the love's impending departure. Despite not knowing for sure that the love is ending, both individuals sense it.

The second stanza introduces the idea of a love that returns, "Un amour qui revient." This love is untouchable and exciting, as "Ca ne s'efface pas" ("It doesn't fade away") and "Et ça on le sait bien" ("And we know it well"). The subsequent lines describe how desire and passion fuel the love, and how listening to their inner desires would make them happier.

The chorus encapsulates the conflicting opinions of the two lovers. The line "Mais tu dis oui et tu dis non, tu dis ce que tu veux" ("But you say yes and you say no, you say what you want") highlights the indecisiveness of one partner and their tendency to both agree and disagree. The following lines "Je dis noir, tu dis blanc, tu vois comme tu veux" ("I say black, you say white, you see as you want") emphasizes their differing opinions and the struggle to find common ground. Additionally, the line "Qui a tort, qui a raison, nous avons mal, c'est notre seule prison" ("Who is wrong, who is right, we are hurting, it is our only prison") encapsulates the pain and suffering that comes from being in a love filled with conflict and difficulty.

The final stanza shows both partners acknowledging their own complexities and how they contribute to the difficulties in their relationship. The singer says "Oui je dis oui, je dis non, je dis ce que je veux" ("Yes, I say yes, I say no, I say what I want") and "Remords ou passion, je fais ce que je peux" ("Remorse or passion, I do what I can"), further revealing their indecisiveness and willingness to make mistakes. The ending line "Pourquoi se faire mal, c'est la seule question" ("Why hurt ourselves, that is the only question") emphasizes the importance of finding a way to move forward with love and respect, despite their differences.