Riez Lyrics in English Stromae
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.
Stromae’s “Riez” (“Laugh”) is an ironic roller-coaster of dreams. At first, the Belgian artist paints a glittering picture of future fame, fortune, and red-carpet glamour, but each time the crowd is invited to “Riez, riez” — to laugh at him. Verse by verse his ambitions shrink, moving from Grammys and villas to a simple house with a vegetable garden, then to nothing more than papers and a daily meal. The repeated laughter becomes a chorus of mockery that highlights how society often belittles the hopes of those who have less.
By the end, Stromae flips the question back on us: why should anyone be told to dream small? “Riez” cleverly exposes class prejudice and the invisible ceiling placed on people’s aspirations. The song’s catchy beat and playful melody disguise a sharp social commentary that reminds listeners that every dream, no matter its size, deserves respect.
