Ma Ville Et Ma Vie Lyrics in English by naps
Chibanis is a slang term, originating from Arabic, that refers to elderly North African immigrants, particularly men, who came to France to work and often remained there.
In the context of the song, Naps mentions seeing "des chibanis au guettage" (elderly North Africans on the lookout). This paints a vivid picture of the street life in his city, highlighting the presence of an often overlooked demographic in unexpected roles, adding a layer of authenticity and social commentary to his lyrics.
Naps's "Ma Ville Et Ma Vie" is a look into his world, a journey through his past and present in the ghetto. He starts by telling us he's quit smoking weed, saying "J'ai arrêté le bédo / Pas besoin de ça pour être ghetto" [I stopped smoking weed / Don't need that to be ghetto]. He's seen it all in his city, nothing surprises him anymore, even seeing "des chibanis au guettage" [old men on lookout].
He remembers being 15, starting to smoke with friends, hiding in the ghetto, and being scared of his brother finding out. He talks about riding the metro, dodging controllers, and how they thought they were grown-ups even though they were kids. It's a song about loyalty too, giving a shout-out to his friends who haven't changed. He also touches on the harsh realities of his city, where even "mes meilleurs amis dansent avec mes ennemis" [my best friends dance with my enemies]. It's a powerful track about staying true to yourself amidst the struggles of the streets.
