Song Meaning
Mylène Farmer's "Que je devienne" unfolds as an intimate, almost desperate plea for artistic and romantic transcendence. The song's core revolves around escaping the "lente agonie du monde" (slow agony of the world) through the intoxicating power of love and art. The repeated invocation to "imagine" serves not just as an invitation, but as an urgent imperative – a necessary act of creation in the face of despair. She paints a picture of idealized union, both sensual and intellectual, envisioning herself consumed by passion ("M'ensevelir dans tes débauches d'amour").
The Vienna gardens mentioned are not merely a location, but a symbolic space – a haven for poets, a breeding ground for "rêve fou" (mad dreams). This evokes the spirit of Romanticism, where art and emotion reigned supreme. Farmer yearns to become a muse within this circle, driven by "l'amour fou" (mad love). The references to "fleurs du mal" (flowers of evil) connect to Baudelaire, implying a desire to find beauty and inspiration even in the darkest corners of human experience. She conjures images of vulnerability and surrender ("le creux de reins / À genoux"), suggesting a willingness to abandon all reserve in the pursuit of profound connection.
Further layers of meaning arise with the ethereal vision of Emily Dickinson ("Vêtue de blanc / Par-delà l'éther"). This reinforces the theme of artistic lineage and the aspiration to join the ranks of literary giants. The "parfum doux comme ce parfum de jour" (sweet perfume like this perfume of day) hints at a fleeting, precious moment of inspiration. Ultimately, "Que je devienne" is more than a love song; it's a declaration of artistic ambition, a yearning for immortality through love and verse, and a testament to the enduring power of imagination as a refuge from a world on the brink.
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