Un jour au mauvais endroit
Les Enfoirés Lyrics

The lyrics of "Un jour au mauvais endroit" by Les Enfoirés paint a poignant picture of a young man named Sofiane from Échirolles, a suburb south of Grenoble. The song introduces Sofiane and his inseparable friend Kevin, illustrating their simple lives and routines. The mention of jobbing and living modestly sets the scene for a tragic event that alters Sofiane's life irreversibly. In the neighborhood of Villeneuve, where they spend their evenings among older brothers and children on football fields and boxing rings, a fatal confrontation occurs, leading to Sofiane's untimely death over a fleeting disagreement.

The chorus of the song delves deeper into Sofiane's perspective as he laments his fate of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The sorrow and confusion in his voice are palpable as he questions why life goes on without him and wonders why he was the one caught in the unfortunate circumstances that day. The mention of cafes and cinemas, places that now hold memories tainted by tragedy, underscores the abrupt end to Sofiane's existence and his dreams for the future.

The second verse delves into the shattered innocence of Sofiane's childhood, highlighting the pervasive violence and senseless acts that robbed him of his youth and potential. The reference to a park where Sofiane's youthful energy was extinguished by a brutal act of violence emphasizes the harsh realities faced by many young people living in neglected and turbulent neighborhoods. The lyrics speak to the proliferation of weapons and the cycle of aggression perpetuated among the youth, leading to devastating consequences like Sofiane's premature death.

The final chorus of the song shifts the focus to a universal call for change and a plea for a future where such tragedies never repeat themselves. The repetition of "Plus jamais ça" (Never again) echoes the collective sentiment of not wanting to witness another life cut short due to senseless violence and misplaced aggression. The resolve to honor Sofiane’s memory by advocating for a safer, more compassionate society for all individuals, especially the youth in marginalized communities, underscores the overarching message of the song - a plea for a world where young lives are not lost to the perils of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.