Pare-balles literally translates to "bulletproof". It's an interesting and somewhat uncommon word in everyday French, especially in song lyrics.
In the context of the song, the artist sings, "J'ai besoin d'un gilet pare-balles, J'ai le cœur à découvert" (I need a bulletproof vest, my heart is exposed). This powerful imagery uses the word to convey a sense of vulnerability and the need for protection against emotional harm, making it a memorable and impactful choice.
"Coeur à Découvert" is Eva's honest take on ambition and vulnerability. She raps about staying focused and keeping her head down in the studio, brushing off the people who talk behind her back and judge her from a distance.
The chorus is where the title comes from: she needs a bulletproof vest because her heart is wide open. It's the tension between toughness and openness that runs through the whole song - she's guarded against judgment but still lets herself feel and shine.
In the verses she pushes back on the idea that success came easy for her ("I started from scratch"), describing the grind of watching the clock, weighing her words, and refusing to chase being number one just for the sake of it. It's a song about staying true to yourself while chasing your dreams, even when that honesty makes you an easy target.