Song meaning of Scorpion by Bernard Lavilliers

The lyrics of the song "Scorpion" by Bernard Lavilliers convey a message about the destructive nature of human beings and the collective responsibility for the hardships and suffering in the world. The song compares the listener to various creatures - a scorpion, a sparrow, and a sheep - highlighting their similarities to human behavior.

The scorpion represents the potential for violence and harm, lurking within each individual. The sparrow symbolizes trivial worries and anxieties that consume people's minds. The sheep represents conformity and the willingness to follow others, even to their own detriment. These comparisons suggest that human beings possess both negative and positive qualities, but it is the negative ones that often prevail.

The lyrics also address the idea that humans are interconnected and part of a larger community. By emphasizing that "you are not alone, you are millions," the song implies that the actions and choices of an individual impact society as a whole. The collective responsibility for the miseries and struggles in the world is attributed to the listener, indicated by lines like "It's thanks to you, my brother."

Ultimately, the song criticizes human behavior that leads to suffering, poverty, and exhaustion. It encourages the listener to reflect on their actions and consider the consequences of their choices. The repeated phrase "terrible, like the mouth of an extinct volcano" serves as a metaphor for the potential devastation that lies within every person.

In summary, "Scorpion" delivers a thought-provoking message about the destructive nature of humanity and the collective responsibility for the world's hardships. It urges individuals to acknowledge their role in causing or alleviating suffering and emphasizes the importance of mindful actions and choices.