Meurtris comes from the verb meurtrir, meaning to bruise, wound, or hurt deeply. It's a strong and evocative word that goes beyond simple pain.
In this song, Aznavour uses it to describe the profound emotional damage inflicted by a lover. He sings, "Tu me blesses, Me meurtris," highlighting not just being hurt, but being deeply wounded to the core, making it a powerful choice to convey intense suffering.
Charles Aznavour's "Parce que tu crois" is a powerful song about a relationship where one person feels completely taken for granted. The singer's partner believes they are his "faiblesse" [weakness] and his "raison d'ĂȘtre" [reason for being], using this perceived power to hurt him and play with his life. He feels she's draining the happiness from his heart, treating him like an "esclave" [slave] and an "Ă©pave de l'amour" [wreck of love], finding joy in his tears.
But this isn't a song of endless despair! Aznavour sings about a turning point. He warns that one day, everything she believes is hers without reservation, "comme un rĂȘve au matin" [like a dream in the morning], could leave her with "les yeux humides et le vide dans tes mains" [wet eyes and emptiness in your hands]. He promises that when the passion dies, he will reclaim himself and leave her "sans un regret" [without regret], finally saying goodbye with a smile. It's a defiant declaration of eventual freedom.