Punk
Poésie Zéro Lyrics

The lyrics of Poesie Zero's song "Punk" paint a picture of the gritty and often thankless world of underground punk music. The band members mock the idea of repeating performances in dingy basements and playing for unappreciative audiences, sarcastically referring to them as "gros nases" (big jerks) and "tronches de poukaves" (scumbag faces). They scornfully describe the audience's unkempt appearance, from their stinking mohawks to their shabby clothes adorned with badges. The lyrics express the band's disdain for the mundane reality of the punk music scene and the lack of financial success that comes with it. Despite the hardships and challenges they face, the band questions why they continue to persevere in these circumstances.

The frustration and disillusionment of the band members are further emphasized as they reflect on their experiences, such as traveling long distances to perform in places like Le Mans and struggling to make a living from their music. The lyrics suggest a sense of resignation to the persistent struggle and financial instability that often accompany a punk lifestyle. The repetition of the question "Tu crois que ça nous fait marrer" (Do you think it amuses us) underscores the band's cynicism and sarcasm towards the romanticized notion of punk rock rebellion and the hardships that come with it.

The second verse continues to highlight the band's discontent with their situation, mocking the idea of creating subpar albums for a small audience and eating tabbouleh in the grimy bathroom of a venue called La Miroiterie. The deteriorating conditions of the venue, with no toilet paper or functioning bathrooms, reflect the band's disillusionment with the deteriorating punk scene and their own struggles as musicians. Despite the hardships and lack of material success, the band acknowledges the possibility of finding some fulfillment in their music, providing a glimpse of hope amidst their cynical outlook.

The repeated refrain "Être punk de temps en temps, mais pas tout le temps" (Being punk occasionally, but not all the time) encapsulates the band's ambivalence towards their punk identity. They grapple with the contradictions of adhering to the punk ethos of rebellion and nonconformity while also recognizing the limitations and challenges that come with it. The song captures the bittersweet reality of pursuing a punk rock lifestyle, where the idealism and passion for music coexist with the harsh realities of financial struggles and disillusionment. Through their raw and confrontational lyrics, Poesie Zero offers a candid portrayal of the punk experience, challenging romanticized perceptions and exposing the harsh truths of underground music culture.