"Message Personnel" is a French song by Michel Berger, released in 1977. The lyrics convey a sense of longing, hesitation, and vulnerability, as the speaker expresses their desire to communicate their feelings to someone but struggles with fear, self-doubt, and the uncertainty of how their message will be received.

Let's delve into the key lyrics and their meanings:

"Au bout du téléphone, il y a votre voix" (At the end of the telephone, there is your voice): This line sets the stage for the song's theme of communication and the desire to connect with someone.

"Je voudrais vous les dire, Et je voudrais les vivre" (I would like to tell you and I would like to live them): The speaker wants to express their feelings, but they also crave the experience of living those emotions with the other person.

"Je suis seule à crever, et je sais où vous êtes" (I am alone, dying, and I know where you are): This line expresses the speaker's loneliness and the desperation to be with the other person, knowing their location.

"J'arrive, attendez-moi, nous allons nous connaître" (I'm coming, wait for me, we will get to know each other): The speaker yearns to meet the addressee and suggests that their meeting will lead to a deeper connection and understanding.

"Je devrais vous parler, Je devrais arriver" (I should talk to you, I should come): The speaker feels a sense of obligation to communicate their feelings and reach the other person.

"Je ne peux pas vous dire que je t'aime peut-être" (I cannot tell you that I perhaps love you): This line showcases the speaker's hesitation and fear of expressing their love for the addressee, leaving room for ambiguity.

The song contains several important cultural references. The lyrics mention the influence of films, songs, and books in shaping our expectations of love and communication. This speaks to the broader cultural context of how media can distort our understanding of relationships and create unrealistic expectations.

The overarching theme of "Message Personnel" centers around the challenges and complexities of communication in relationships. It explores the fear of rejection, the uncertainty of how one's feelings will be received, and the vulnerability that comes with expressing love or longing for someone.

The song also utilizes various metaphors and symbols to convey its meaning. The telephone represents a means of communication, highlighting the speaker's desire to connect with the addressee. The mention of fear, self-doubt, and being afraid to be indiscreet adds layers of emotional depth to the lyrics.

In summary, "Message Personnel" by Michel Berger is a poignant exploration of the struggles and hesitations in expressing one's emotions and desires. The song captures the universal experience of longing for connection, while grappling with the fear of rejection and uncertainty. It serves as a reminder of the vulnerability and complexity that comes with reaching out to someone we love or desire.