Chacun Sa Vie

Song Meaning

“Chacun Sa Vie” immediately sets a tone of fierce independence. Kema declares that everyone carves their own path, often for money. Yet, he quickly pivots to critique the industry’s reliance on “par piston” or connections. This is a statement of self-reliance in a rigged game. The lyrics reveal a deep conflict between the speaker’s dedication to principles and the perceived ease of others who “dire stop a la guerre” from comfort. He’s fighting for his art, contrasting his function as a rapper with those he implicitly criticizes. There’s a palpable frustration with the state of French R&B, even claiming it made him “gober mon premier Spasfon” – a vivid, almost comedic expression of exasperation. Kema’s craft shines in his unapologetic directness. He embraces the hardcore ethos, declaring it “n'porte pas de caleçon” – a raw, unfiltered approach. This is starkly illustrated by his provocative dismissal of another artist’s lyrical substance, acknowledging their presence while asserting his own commitment to “la puissance d'la réflexion.” What makes these lyrics effective is their unvarnished honesty and Kema’s unwavering self-definition. He rejects the need to be a “gangster aux yeux des garçons,” prioritizing genuine lyrical weight over manufactured image.