Song meaning of Ma Place Dans Le Trafic by Francis Cabrel

The song "Ma Place Dans Le Trafic" by Francis Cabrel captures the feeling of being trapped in a monotonous and overwhelming daily routine. The lyrics depict the narrator's life as a series of repetitive actions, from waking up early in the morning, shaving, and drinking coffee to commuting in traffic. The use of descriptive words such as "prisonnier" (prisoner) and "obligent" (obligate) suggests a sense of helplessness and being controlled by external forces.

The message conveyed by the lyrics is one of frustration and longing for freedom and escape. The narrator yearns for someone to come and rescue him from this mundane existence, but the person he has chosen has only given him enough to survive, leaving him with little means to break free. The repetition of the line "prendre ma place dans le trafic" (take my place in traffic) emphasizes the idea of conformity and the feeling of being trapped in a never-ending cycle.

The mention of the "12" in the chorus symbolizes the narrator's attempt to disconnect from reality and seek solace in isolation. The protagonist feels disconnected from his own desires and fears the uncertainty of his future, represented by his reliance on carbon dioxide perfume. The reference to the "voitures noires" (black cars) suggests a feeling of oppression and the necessity of conforming to societal expectations.

Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of resignation, of accepting one's place in a world filled with constraints and responsibilities. Despite the grim message, the lyrics also reflect the narrator's awareness of the impact of their lifestyle on future generations, as they express the need for their children to become accustomed to taking their place in the traffic, perpetuating the cycle of conformity.