Song Meaning

Plastic Bertrand's "C'est Le Rock 'N' Roll (Walk Like A Man)" is less a profound statement and more a hyper-caffeinated sugar rush of pure pop-punk energy. It's a sonic embodiment of infatuation, channeled through the filter of late 70s new wave exuberance. The song’s meaning, if it can be pinned down, lies in its celebration of a girl consumed by rock 'n' roll. She's a "joli bouton d'or" (pretty buttercup), a treasure in technicolor, whose passion for the music is so intense it makes her miss appointments and generally lose her mind. It's a portrait of youthful obsession, painted in broad, deliberately cartoonish strokes. The "I love you more and more and more" refrain isn't a declaration of deep love, but a reflection of the narrator's own infatuation with her rock-fueled mania. Bertrand isn't just singing about a girl; he's singing about the intoxicating power of rock 'n' roll itself. The lyrics, a blend of French and English phrases, mirror the cross-cultural appeal of the genre. The references to TV series and her habit of "branchée sur les shows" (tuning into the shows) depict a modern, media-saturated world where rock music is the ultimate escape. The narrator’s desire to "play with you" is suggestive, but in the context of the song meaning, it primarily speaks to a desire to share in that electrifying energy, to be swept away by the same current that’s driving her wild. Ultimately, "C'est Le Rock 'N' Roll (Walk Like A Man)" isn't about profound insights or complex emotions. It's a snapshot of a moment, a feeling, a pure, unadulterated blast of youthful energy fueled by distorted guitars and a relentless beat. The song's brilliance lies in its simplicity and infectiousness. Plastic Bertrand captures the way rock 'n' roll can take over your life, turning you into a giddy, slightly crazed devotee. It's an ode to the transformative power of music, served with a healthy dose of punk rock irreverence.