Hippies

Song Meaning

The song presents a playful and almost contrarian persona, listing a series of things the narrator dislikes. These dislikes range from car manufacturers (De Dion, Bouton, Aston, Martin) to literary figures (Arthur Rimbaud, Edgar Allan Poe) and even a comedic duo (Laurel and Hardy), suggesting a broad rejection of established names and perhaps certain cultural touchstones. The repeated phrase "J'aime pas" ("I don't like") builds a consistent image of someone who is particular, perhaps even a bit curmudgeonly. The core tension arises from the stark contrast between these dislikes and the narrator's singular, enthusiastic affection: "Mais j'aime faire la bise / La bise aux hippies" ("But I like to kiss / Kiss the hippies"). This unexpected pivot creates a humorous and intriguing juxtaposition. The narrator, who seems to reject so many things, finds joy in a simple, affectionate gesture towards a group often associated with counter-culture and a different set of values. The effectiveness of the lyrics lies in this surprising declaration of affection. By listing a diverse array of disliked entities, the song sets up an expectation of continued negativity or a specific reason for dislike. Instead, it pivots to a warm, almost childlike embrace of "hippies." This twist makes the refrain feel earned and memorable, highlighting an unexpected openness and a simple pleasure found in a specific social interaction. This contrast makes the song charming and memorable. The narrator's specific dislikes, while varied, serve primarily to amplify the singular pleasure derived from greeting hippies. It's a simple, direct expression that bypasses complex reasoning, landing on a feeling of warmth and connection that feels genuine precisely because it's so unexpected after the litany of dislikes.