Le pénitencier
Les Enfoirés Lyrics

The lyrics of Les Enfoirés' song "Le pénitencier" depict a story of a troubled individual trapped in a life of hardship and regret. The first verse introduces the narrative by referencing a house in New Orleans known as the Rising Sun, which has been the downfall of many impoverished individuals. The singer acknowledges that they, too, have fallen victim to its destructive power, expressing a sense of self-awareness by acknowledging their own mistakes and misfortunes.

In the next verse, the lyrics shift to the perspective of an individual who is about to be imprisoned. The imagery of the closing doors of the penitentiary symbolize the finality and confinement of a life lived behind bars. The singer implies that they will spend their life there, just like others who have met the same fate. The mention of the mother sacrificing her wedding dress to help the individual suggests the deep love and desperation felt by those affected by the consequences of their actions. The pain caused by the choices made by the addressee is given prominence and begs for forgiveness.

The following lines speak to the futility and darkness that pervades the lives of those imprisoned. The sun is portrayed as being incompatible with their existence, suggesting that their paths are destined for failure and dishonesty. The lyrics emphasize the transient nature of fortune, as someone who has lost everything in one moment may have the opportunity to reclaim it in the future. This might serve as a glimmer of hope amidst the despair felt within the confines of prison.

The final verse addresses the mothers and warns them not to let their sons roam the streets at night, as it is a path that inevitably leads to the penitentiary. The singer implores the listener to learn from their mistakes and to protect their loved ones from falling into the same cycle of hardship and desolation. The mention of the girl who loved the singer serves as a reminder of the pain she caused, igniting feelings of sorrow and shame that are difficult to forget.

In the repeated chorus, the closing doors of the penitentiary are highlighted again, emphasizing the finality of the life that awaits those who are trapped within its walls. The lyrics reflect the inevitability of their fate, mirroring the stories of others who have met a similar end. The repetition of these lines reinforces the sense of hopelessness and resignation surrounding the singer's life, ultimately leaving them resigned to their fate.