Comme d’hab

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a hardened, street-level existence where confrontation is the norm. The opening lines immediately establish a tone of defiance and danger, with phrases like "Tu veux te filer y'a pas filade y'a fusillade" (If you want to run, there's no chase, there's a shootout) and "Tu parle dans mon dos, me sert pas la mano" (You talk behind my back, don't shake my hand). This sets a scene of distrust and immediate threat, where casual interactions are fraught with potential violence. The narrator's self-perception is one of isolation, "j'finirais seul bah ouais" (I'll end up alone, yeah), despite the bravado. The contrast between the desire to "m'envoler" (fly away) and the reality of "casser mes ailes" (breaking my wings) highlights a trapped feeling within this lifestyle. The dominant tension arises from the clash between aspiration and the grim reality of their environment. There's a clear desire for a better life, evidenced by the mention of driving a Ferrari and working hard ("J'ai taffer pour pouvoir partir"). However, this ambition is constantly undercut by the pervasive violence and the need to maintain a tough exterior. The lyrics suggest a cycle of conflict, where "Une balle, pas d'bol" (A bullet, no luck) and "Un mort dans ton camp c'est pas drôle" (A dead person in your camp isn't funny) are presented as unfortunate but expected outcomes. This creates a feeling of inevitability, as if this dangerous path is the only one available or understood. The recurring phrase "Comme d'hab" (As usual) is the most striking element, acting as a grim mantra that underscores the normalization of violence and conflict. It transforms potentially shocking events into mundane occurrences, stripping them of their gravity for the speakers while highlighting the bleakness of their routine. This repetition emphasizes a lack of surprise or deviation from their established modus operandi. The lyrics also employ stark, almost cinematic imagery, comparing their reality to "Top Boy" and their actions to "cow-boys," framing their violent encounters as a matter-of-fact, almost professional, undertaking. What makes these lyrics hit hard is their unflinching portrayal of a life where survival necessitates aggression and where the line between aspiration and destruction is blurred. The casualness with which violence is discussed, particularly through the repeated "Comme d'hab," creates a chilling effect. It suggests a deep-seated resignation to this way of life, making the glimpses of desire for something more feel particularly poignant and ultimately, seemingly out of reach within the world they inhabit.