J'ai vu
Les Enfoirés Lyrics

The lyrics of Les Enfoirés's song "J'ai vu" tell a story of a person who has witnessed various conflicts and events around the world through television. The first paragraph describes their experience of virtually being in Berlin, Bucharest, and Beijing by constantly watching the news. They feel connected to the fight in different places, glued to the screen, feeling both present in Soweto, China, and Lebanon. The reference to throwing stones at the Gaza Strip suggests their support for the Palestinian cause, despite potential risks such as being subjected to a religious fatwa.

The second paragraph continues with the theme of war, as the person describes seeing the war and the victory achieved by those who held the guns. They also mention feeling the blood on their skin, witnessing the fury and screams. Despite the violence, they pray for those who have sacrificed themselves and acknowledge that death laughs at the survivors. This emphasizes the tragic and devastating nature of war.

In the third paragraph, the lyrics shift from global conflicts to social and humanitarian issues. The mention of a hundred thousand flowers opening forever represents a longing for a world filled with peace and harmony. The singer claims to have already contributed to this goal. They also express a disregard for flags and have burned the red ones, suggesting a rejection of symbols of division and nationalism. The reference to a man who jumped in front of a train highlights the desperation and abandonment felt by those suffering from poverty and hunger. The lyrics suggest that the worst is yet to come, but the person remains indifferent, perhaps due to a sense of helplessness or numbness.

The final chorus repeats the images of war, blood, fury, and prayers for sacrifices. Death is personified as someone laughing and collecting those who are left. The repeated phrase "Et j'ai vu" emphasizes the witnessing of these events and the impact they have had on the singer. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of despair, disillusionment, and a longing for a better world, while also highlighting the power of media in shaping our perception of global events.