Song Meaning
Serge Gainsbourg's "Là-bas c'est naturel" paints a playfully suggestive picture of liberation and naturalness, contrasting societal norms with an idealized, exoticized vision of Kenya. The repeated phrase "Là-bas, c'est naturel" (Over there, it's natural) serves as both an invitation and a commentary. It proposes a hypothetical escape from the constraints of Western prudery, a place where the body is not an object of shame or excessive modesty. The mention of "Kenya" acts as a symbolic stand-in for a primal, uninhibited state of being. Gainsbourg cleverly uses the imagery of clothing, or rather the lack thereof, to represent this freedom. The women "en deux pièces moins une" (in two pieces minus one) and men "en monokini" are metaphors for a carefree existence, unburdened by social expectations. It's a nudge at the hypersexualized culture in France, and how adopting a 'natural' attitude toward the body can be freeing.
The song's second verse delves into the personal dynamic of the singer and his companion. He extends an invitation to join him in this imagined paradise: "Si nous allons un jour / Là-bas au Kenya" (If we go one day / Over there to Kenya). However, he acknowledges the potential discomfort or hesitation of his partner, offering her the option to hide "Derrière tes cheveux" (Behind your hair) if she chooses. This suggests a nuanced understanding of the complexities of self-exposure and the varying degrees of comfort people have with their own bodies. He's not demanding a complete shedding of inhibitions, but rather suggesting a gradual exploration of one's own naturalness.
Ultimately, "Là-bas c'est naturel" is less about a literal trip to Kenya and more about a psychological journey towards self-acceptance. Even if the physical journey never occurs, the song implies, the freedom to embrace one's body and desires is still attainable. The final verse reinforces this idea, suggesting that even a small step – "Rien qu'une / Petite pièce moins l'autre" (Just one / Small piece minus the other) – can lead to a more fulfilling and liberated existence. The closing line, "En deux pièces moins deux" (In two pieces minus two) for love, implies complete vulnerability and acceptance as the ultimate goal. Gainsbourg uses playful innuendo to deliver a subtle yet potent message about the power of embracing one's natural self, wherever they may be.
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