Vœux translates to "vows" in English. It's a significant word often associated with solemn promises, especially in the context of marriage or commitment.
In Stromae's song, the line "J'crois pas qu'un jour ils s'échangeront leurs vœux" (I don't think they'll ever exchange their vows) highlights the theme of superficial relationships lacking true commitment. This word is particularly enticing because it evokes deep emotional meaning and is less common than everyday vocabulary, making it memorable and valuable for learners.
Pas Vraiment (“Not Really”) is Stromae’s witty side-eye at modern relationships that look flawless online but feel hollow off-screen. The Belgian hitmaker invites us to scroll through a picture-perfect feed where he and his partner seem enviably in love: shiny smiles, shared possessions, and followers who can’t help but be “jealous.” Yet between the likes and the luxury, a nagging question keeps popping up: Why are we even together?
Through playful back-and-forth lyrics, Stromae exposes three couples—all mirrors of one another—who keep up appearances while quietly admitting they do not “really” love. Gossiping friends predict break-ups, proposals sink before they sail, and every chorus lands on the same resigned punchline: it might be better to end things than to keep pretending. The result is a catchy, tongue-in-cheek reminder that social media snapshots and shared stuff are no substitute for genuine connection.