Demandez ŕ mon cheval
Pagny florent Lyrics

In the first verse of Florent Pagny's song "Demandez à mon cheval," the singer reflects on how little his horse, Jéricho, knows about his material possessions and public image. Jéricho is unaware of the singer's songs, the value of his house, the brand of his motorcycle, or the horsepower under its hood. The horse also doesn't know the singer's box office ranking, his virtues or vices, or whether he has upheld rebellious or loyal ideals. This highlights the theme of a simple, unaffected connection between the singer and his horse, contrasting with the superficial aspects of the singer's life that are unknown to Jéricho.

The chorus questions what Jéricho does know, emphasizing that the horse knows everything else beyond the materialistic and public aspects of the singer's life. This sets up the idea that the horse holds a deeper understanding of the singer's true essence and experiences. The singer urges the listener not to look in the newspapers for answers about him but instead to "demandez à mon cheval," highlighting the horse as a symbol of honesty, trust, and a connection to a more genuine self.

In the second verse, the lyrics continue to contrast Jéricho's lack of knowledge about worldly matters like being late, the value of money, historical events, or international agreements. The horse remains focused on more immediate and personal connections, such as the trust between him and the singer as they go on journeys together. This reinforces the idea that Jéricho symbolizes a simpler and more authentic relationship in contrast to the complexities and uncertainties of human society.

The final verse reveals Jéricho's intuitive understanding of human behavior, as the horse can detect fake smiles and read the lines on the singer's palm with his warm breath. Jéricho is portrayed as a sentient being capable of understanding and connecting with the singer on a profound level, beyond material possessions or societal knowledge. The repetition of the question "Mais que sait Jéricho?" in the last line emphasizes the idea that the horse's wisdom and understanding are invaluable and irreplaceable. The song ultimately celebrates the purity and simplicity of the bond between the singer and his horse as a source of truth and connection in a world filled with superficiality and complexity.