Jolie fleur Lyrics (English Translation) – Vald

Jolie fleur (English Translation) Lyrics Meaning

[Chorus: Georges Brassens]
The chorus talks about something or someone that looks beautiful on the outside but hides a different reality underneath. It shows how appearances can be deceptive, charming people at first, and then controlling their emotions. It’s about the pull of attraction that isn’t always what it seems.

[Verse 1: Vald]
In this verse, Vald admits that he often says things to seem impressive or cool, but he doesn’t truly live up to them. He confesses that he pretends to feel grateful, powerful, or important, even when he doesn’t. He shares how he acts confident and dreams big, like being Superman or an Anunnaki, but in reality, he’s normal and even forgetful. He talks about saying things in songs or performances that aren’t fully true, showing the contrast between his public image and private reality. Vald also touches on his self-centeredness, admitting he mainly loves himself despite what he might portray to others. It reflects his struggle with authenticity, the gap between what he says and what he actually believes, and how he navigates life wearing masks to impress people or fit expectations while feeling ordinary underneath.

[Chorus: Georges Brassens]
The chorus repeats the idea of a hidden truth behind appearances. It emphasizes the same contrast between how things look and what they really are. Something might seem lovely or perfect, but underneath, it might manipulate your feelings or hide its real nature, showing the tension between surface and reality.

[Verse 2: Vald]
In this verse, Vald talks about his attempts to influence or inspire people, like warning about cruelty, reminding them to be polite, or encouraging them not to give up, but things often don’t change. He reflects on his own choices, leaving rap for other music styles, yet still being himself. He compares himself to very different images, like a poor peasant, a rich rentier, or a demon, highlighting contradictions in how he sees himself or how others might see him. He admits that he pretends to have deep thoughts, but they aren’t always significant. This verse shows his self-awareness, the struggles of expressing authenticity, and the gap between his intentions, public image, and reality, while also playfully accepting the chaos of his personality.

[Outro: Vald & Georges Brassens]
The outro mixes playful sounds with the recurring imagery of the “pretty flower in a cowhide.” It emphasizes the song’s themes by repeating the idea that appearances can be deceptive, and what looks beautiful or captivating may hide something ordinary or unexpected underneath. The repeated sounds create a hypnotic, almost childlike feeling, reflecting the absurdity of trying to maintain an image or control perception. Vald plays with the contrast between simplicity and complexity, showing that life, people, and even himself are full of contradictions. While the flower seems delicate and pure, the cowhide underneath reminds listeners of reality and imperfection. The repetition also mirrors how these ideas keep coming back in his mind: the struggle between pretending, self-expression, and authenticity. It suggests that even if someone tries to appear extraordinary, they are still human, flawed, and contradictory. The outro blends humor, reflection, and a catchy rhythm, leaving the listener thinking about how appearances, performances, and reality often clash in everyday life and in art.