Tu n'es pas libre
Mara Tremblay Lyrics

Tu n'es pas libre, mon amour, is a French song by Mara Tremblay. The lyrics explore the complexities and contradictions of a romantic relationship that is not free, and where the lovers are tethered to their past. The opening line, "Tu n'es pas libre, mon amour" translates to "You are not free, my love" and sets the tone for the entire song. The singer of the song sees that despite being in a relationship, her partner is still waiting for someone else to return. This is evident in the line "Je sens que tu attends toujours celle qui reviendra" which means "I sense that you're still waiting for the one who will come back." The singer can tell that her partner is not fully present in the moment and is lost in thought about his past.

The next lines, "Derrière tes pupilles lourdes, tu n'es plus là/Et ne réponds qu'à la moitié de toi" mean "Behind your heavy pupils, you are no longer there/And only half of you responds". This implies that her partner is emotionally unavailable as he is not fully present. The singer is trying to connect with her partner hence trying to find the light reflected in his eyes by looking at the stars, "Et je cherche les étoiles/Éclairée par le feu du fond de tes yeux". She begs him to stay by saying, "Garde, garde sur mon cœur/Et les chérir ainsi encore un peu" which means "Keep, keep it on my heart/And treasure them thus a little longer."

The line "Je n'suis pas libre, mon amour/De t'aimer comme il se doit/J'ai trop perdu mes moyens, je crois" translates to "I'm not free, my love/To love you as I should/I've lost my ways, I think." This expresses how the singer is also restricted in the relationship; she is somehow compromised and possibly struggling to give her partner the love and affection he deserves. Despite this, she admits that when she's with him she feels on top of the world, "Ceux qui me gardent au chaud/Me font voler plus haut que le ciel/Quand je suis avec toi."

Overall, the song encapsulates an emotionally complex relationship where both parties are tied to the past, and their present relationship seems somewhat fleeting. Despite this, both the singer and her partner find comfort and solace in each other's company, albeit transient.