Papiers literally means "papers", but in this context, it has a much deeper meaning. It refers to official documents like a visa, residency permit, or passport that grant a person the legal right to live and work in a country.
In the song, Stromae presents a series of dreams, from a rockstar's life to a simple family home. The final dream, however, is just to "have the papers" and eat every day. This stark contrast makes papiers a powerful word, highlighting themes of immigration, inequality, and the most basic human needs for security and belonging.
Ever feel like everyone's dreams are completely different? Stromae explores this idea in "Riez" by presenting four different people, each with their own vision of a happy life. The song starts with someone who wants it all: to be a huge star, win a Grammy, marry a famous actress, and have police escorts. As he asks, "Pourquoi rĂȘver petit?" (Why dream small?). It's a classic, over-the-top celebrity fantasy.
But then, the song shifts. The next person's dream is more down-to-earth: a nice house with a pool, a good salary, and a nice car. Then another person just wants a loving family, a small plot of land, and a simple life. The final voice has the most basic dream of all: to have enough to eat every day and the security of having their papers. Throughout the song, Stromae repeats the chorus, "Riez, riez" (Laugh, laugh), almost daring you to judge these different dreams. It's a clever way of looking at what people want out of life, from the biggest ambitions to the most fundamental needs.
Paul Van Haver, known by his stage name Stromae, is a Belgian singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer born in 1985 in Brussels. His unique sound blends hip-hop and electronic music, captivating audiences across Europe and beyond. Stromae rose to international fame with his 2009 hit "Alors on danse," which topped charts in several countries.
His 2013 album Racine carrée was a major success, featuring hit singles like "Papaoutai" and "Formidable," and selling millions of copies. Renowned for his artistic music videos and thoughtful lyrics, Stromae stands out as a creative force in modern Francophone music. He continues to innovate while drawing on diverse influences, from hip-hop to electronic and world music.