Ne plus renaître is a tenth track from Mylene Farmer 12th album L’Emprise released November 25 2022.
NE PLUS RENAÎTRE (No More Rebirth) is a tenth track from Mylène Farmer’s twelfth studio album, “L’Emprise” released on November 25, 2022.
Where should I begin with my story of this song? It’s fair to say that it stands as Mylène’s most profound, daunting, and somber creation ever. Archive provided an exceptional canvas, characterized by unique arrangements and muted, restrained melodies. Unlike Boutonnat’s compositions where notes dance buoyantly, here they convey a powerful, soundtrack-esque quality.
Darius Keeler, grappling with the trials of cancer, understandably wasn’t in the frame of mind for crafting a light, joyful summer hit. Instead, he composed a requiem-like piece, masterfully framed by skillful, non-clichéd arrangements and production. This was further enhanced by Jérôme Devoise’s involvement.
It’s essential to highlight the collaborative efforts that have notably enriched Mylène Farmer’s latest album, L’Emprise. The British duo Archive, known for their close ties with the singer, contributes significantly with two classic yet robust electro-rock titles, “Do U Know Who I Am” and “Ne plus renaitre.” These tracks not only showcase their solid musical foundation but also put a spotlight on Mylène’s vocal prowess. Her voice, characterized by admirable clarity and a surprising depth in certain bass notes, stands out as one of the album’s most formidable strengths. This is especially notable in “Ne plus renaitre,” where her high-pitched whispers intermingle with the song’s compelling narrative, adding an exquisite quality to the overall sound.
Immediately, Mylène establishes a profound connection between her current masterpiece and another seminal work from three decades ago: “Ainsi soit (Je).” This linkage doesn’t merely serve to complete a narrative circle; rather, it unfurls an evolutionary spiral, tracing the contours of her personal journey. Her approach isn’t just about making a musical statement but about charting the evolution of her very being.
From the outset, with the raw energy of birth, Mylène articulates a thought-provoking idea: our existence is a matter of choice, not chance. This perspective positions birth as not just a biological event but a deliberate plunge into the physical realm. She posits that our sojourn on Earth is a self-chosen path, embarked upon for learning, experiencing, expanding our horizons, and, most critically, for evolving. Through her lyrics, Mylène invites us to ponder the purpose of our lives, urging us to see beyond the mundane and recognize our journey as an opportunity for profound personal transformation.
Mylène’s narrative then takes a contemplative turn, acknowledging that life, with its myriad experiences, both enriches and exhausts us. This metaphor of being ‘burnt by life’ captures the intensity of our worldly experiences and the eventual weariness that accompanies them. Yet, there’s an undercurrent of hope and liberation in her words, suggesting a return to an original, perhaps more ethereal state of existence after our earthly trials.
Interestingly, Mylène expresses a decisive stance about the cyclical nature of life and rebirth. While some might entertain the notion of returning to Earth for another round of experiences, Mylène seems resolute in her decision not to. This sentiment could reflect a sense of fulfillment in her current journey or an anticipation of a different, perhaps more enlightened, state of being beyond the physical world.
In essence, through this song, Mylène Farmer is not just creating music; she’s weaving a philosophical tapestry, inviting listeners to reflect on the deeper questions of existence, choice, and the eternal cycle of life and beyond. Her work transcends the boundaries of conventional music, becoming a medium for existential exploration and spiritual introspection.
As I’ve mentioned before, the phrase “Ainsi soit-il,” renowned in Freemasonry, serves as a profound conclusion to their ceremonies, encapsulating a deep philosophical and metaphysical essence. It conveys a sense of acceptance, epitomizing a serene and meaningful existence. Mylène Farmer, in revisiting this phrase, lends it a unique and nuanced interpretation.
In the context of her song “Ainsi soit je,” the phrase takes on a melancholic connotation, reflecting a reluctance to continue living in the wake of a profound loss, possibly even flirting with the idea of suicide. This illustrates a dramatic emotional landscape, where love and loss intertwine with existential despair.
However, in her later work, Mylène seems to shift her perspective significantly. She expresses a sense of weariness and exhaustion from the repetitive cycles of life, as captured in the line “Quand tout se répète” (when everything repeats itself). This exhaustion is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual, hinting at a deeper yearning for liberation from the recurring patterns that define human existence.
Her decision not to return after this life, as indicated in her lyrics, is not just a personal resolution but also a bold statement against the perpetual cycle of samsara – the Buddhist concept of the cycle of suffering and rebirth. Mylène’s stance appears to be a resolute, almost rebellious promise to herself, seeking to break free from this endless loop. It’s as if she’s seeking a finality, a conclusive peace that transcends the temporal bounds of life and death.
In this evolution of her interpretation of “Ainsi soit-il,” Mylène Farmer’s artistic journey reflects a transition from a place of personal sorrow to a broader, more philosophical contemplation of life’s perpetual cycles. Her work becomes a canvas for exploring these profound themes, resonating with anyone who has pondered the mysteries of existence and the quest for peace beyond the physical realm.
The line:
Plus de je
Mettre le feu et
S’autodafer
No more I
To set fire to and
To burn myself at the stake
resonates with an immense power, far transcending its immediate context. This line isn’t simply a call for her followers to recall her iconic imagery, like the scenes in the video for “Beyond My Control” or the dramatic finale of her 2019 concert series at La Défense Arena, where she symbolically vanished into the fire. Instead, this lyric invites a deeper exploration, beckoning listeners to delve beneath its surface.
Mylène Farmer, much like the mythical Phoenix, portrays herself as a sacrificial figure, one who openly embraces the full spectrum of human experience – the joy, the tragedy, and the suffering. She has withstood these trials, embodying endurance and resilience. Yet, upon reflection, there is an evident sense of weariness. The lyric poignantly captures the metaphorical fires she has braved: the blaze of criticism, the inferno of public disapproval, the relentless heat of scrutiny, and, at times, the scorching cruelty. While life’s disappointments and pains are universal, few can relate to the amplified intensity that comes with nearly four decades in the public eye.
The unique trials of such a life are intimately known to Mylène. The unceasing spotlight, the endless barrage of judgment, and the perpetual weight of fame have exacted a heavy toll. In these words, she articulates a profound fatigue and a longing for emancipation from the unrelenting gaze and censure. This is not merely a statement of exhaustion but a potent declaration of reaching a pivotal breaking point. It signifies a moment of catharsis, where she confronts and accepts the notion of concluding one chapter to potentially commence another.
And another chapter will not include rebirth. With her eyes turned skyward, seeking divine assistance, she feels akin to a leper, a part of a “poor humanity in pieces.” This imagery raises profound questions: Is it a choice? What really constitutes a choice? The lyrics brim with doubts, as if she is praying and simultaneously pondering whether her prayers will be heard. She contemplates the idea of rebirth, questioning if it is truly within our power to decide our fate in the grand scheme of things. It is in this context that the Ave Maria theme becomes relevant, masterfully interwoven into the song’s arrangements.
Mylène herself recorded Ave Maria as a silent track on her album “Point de Suture,” released in 2008. This intriguing piece was recorded in Laurent Boutonnat’s studio, located in his castle in Oise, and initially raised many eyebrows in disbelief when first heard. In an interview with “Têtu” magazine prior to the release of “Point de Suture,” Mylène was asked, “Let’s imagine that a person does not know your work at all, what would you tell them to start with to get to know you a little?” She intriguingly hinted at the Ave Maria: “By the title hidden in this new album.” And here you have it, ladies and gentlemen: Mylène is a highly spiritual person, believing in a higher power and the purity of divine intentions. Yet, she chooses to metaphorically throw in the towel, expressing a sentiment of “Thank you very much, but no more reincarnations for me.” This statement encapsulates a complex interplay between spirituality, destiny, and personal agency, highlighting Mylène’s unique perspective on life, rebirth, and the human condition.
And don’t we all understand this sentiment? Who hasn’t harbored such thoughts throughout the turbulence and trials of their lives? I certainly have. Many times. I’ve found myself wondering, “What the heck am I doing here? Did I lose my intergalactic GPS and end up on the wrong planet?” Well, for whatever it’s worth, I am thrilled that I ended up here at the same time as Mylène.
The alignment of our paths can often feel serendipitous, almost as if there’s a cosmic alignment at play. Mylène’s music and persona, in this case, provide a soundtrack and narrative that accompany us in our life’s journey, offering both reflection and inspiration. Her exploration of themes like rebirth, struggle, and spiritual questioning resonates with us, offering a mirror to our own experiences and emotions. In this way, Mylène’s art becomes more than just entertainment; it transforms into a beacon, guiding us through the complexities of human existence, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
lyrics with translation
Une étincelle je veux renaître
Ainsi soit
Chemin de croix
Une trêve
Quand tout se répète
Prendre allumette
Plus de je
Mettre le feu et
S'autodafer
J'y vois
Une renaissance ou délivrance
Ne plus renaître et je lève
Les yeux au ciel, la lèpre est telle
Pauvrе humanité est en pièces
Unе étincelle
Je veux connaître
Ainsi soit
Tout n'est qu'un choix
Une fièvre
Ave Maria…
Une étincelle
Une étincelle
Une étincelle
Une étincelle
Une renaissance ou délivrance
Ne plus renaître et je lève
Les yeux au ciel, la lèpre est telle
Pauvre humanité est en pièces
Une étincelle
Une étincelle
Une étincelle
Une étincelle
A spark I want to be reborn
So be it
Way of the Cross
A truce
When everything repeats itself
To take match
No more I
To set fire to and
To burn oneself to death
I see it
A rebirth or deliverance
No more rebirth and I raise
Eyes to the sky, the leprosy is such
Poorе humanity is in pieces
One spark
I want to know
So be it
All is but a choice
A fever
Hail Mary…
A spark
A spark
A spark
A spark
A rebirth or deliverance
No more rebirth and I raise
Eyes to the sky, the leprosy is such
Poor humanity is in pieces
A spark
A spark
A spark
A spark
