Song meaning of Monsieur Marcel by Renan Luce

The song "Monsieur Marcel" by Renan Luce tells the story of a gravedigger named Monsieur Marcel who suffers from narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes him to fall asleep unexpectedly. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Monsieur Marcel's life as a gravedigger, highlighting the challenges he faces due to his condition.

The lyrics suggest a sense of monotony and repetition in Marcel's work, as he falls asleep between digging graves and the only people bothered by his sporadic napping are the survivors who have to return the next day. The chorus poses a thought-provoking question, asking whether it is preferable to dig graves with a shovel or a mechanical excavator, emphasizing the deep and contemplative nature of death and its rituals.

The verses describe Marcel's physical appearance, with his chin shaped by leaning on his shovel and his heavy eyelids resembling a tombstone. The lyrics also touch upon the societal expectations surrounding death, as people prefer to be informed in advance when someone dies. Marcel's employment ultimately depends on the size of the graves he digs, suggesting that even in death, one's status and stature can determine their treatment.

The verses involving the widow of a general further explore the power dynamics and the potential abuse of influence. The story implies that the widow's status allowed her to reopen a monument due to her belief that she heard noises from inside, resulting in Marcel losing his job. This highlights the unfairness and hypocrisy that exist within society's systems.

Overall, the song "Monsieur Marcel" offers a poignant commentary on the way death and mourning are approached by society, questioning societal norms and revealing the struggles and injustices faced by those who work in the funeral industry. It also prompts the listener to reflect on their own thoughts about death and the rituals surrounding it.