REGULATION by Vald

Song Details

• Title: REGULATION
• Artist: Vald
• Album: (TBD)
• Genre: French Rap / Trap
• Language: French
• Themes: Power dynamics, social commentary, survival, nihilism, frustration
• Mood: Aggressive, dark, rebellious

In-Depth Lyrics Analysis & Meaning

REGULATION is a track that focuses on the tension between power, survival, and the harsh realities of society. Vald uses aggressive language and vivid imagery to express discontent with the current state of the world, as well as frustration with the systems of power that govern it. His tone is rebellious, pushing back against both societal expectations and the overwhelming forces of inequality.

1. The Refrain: Power Struggle and Frustration

• “Bitch, on est trop, je viens réguler, derrière, on est trop, j’peux pas reculer”
  → The opening line establishes a sense of dominance and control. “On est trop” refers to a large group (possibly society or a collective of people), with Vald stepping up to “regulate” the situation. There is a sense of no return, as Vald says, “j’peux pas reculer” (“I can’t go back”). This is a defiant stance, suggesting there’s no turning back from his approach or mindset.
• “Tout l’monde a les crocs, va t’faire enculer”
  → “Tout le monde a les crocs” translates to “Everyone’s hungry” or “Everyone’s aggressive.” This line speaks to the competitive, cutthroat nature of life, where everyone is out for themselves. “Va t’faire enculer” is a vulgar insult, expressing disdain for anyone who challenges or threatens him.
• “Il faut rester chez toi, ou viens à la fin, si tu veux, nettoie”
  → Vald advises people to stay out of the way unless they’re ready to “clean up” at the end. This could suggest that only those who are willing to face the consequences of their actions should participate, while others should stay out of the chaos.
• “Bitch, on est trop et le trône est étroit, tout l’monde n’est pas fait pour être une étoile”
  → Vald is acknowledging that there are too many people vying for attention and power (“le trône est étroit” or “the throne is narrow”). The line “tout le monde n’est pas fait pour être une étoile” suggests that not everyone is cut out for fame or greatness, and only a select few can truly succeed.
• “Tu prends une balle et tout l’monde gagne, ça nous fait moins d’CO₂”
  → “Tu prends une balle” (“You take a bullet”) could be metaphorical for sacrifice or elimination. If one person falls, everyone else benefits, and the line “ça nous fait moins d’CO₂” (“it gives us less CO₂”) implies that the earth benefits from fewer people (a nihilistic view on overpopulation and environmental impact).
• “Viens pas au bal, tu vas pas être rentable, tu fais bien d’rester au pieu”
  → This line speaks to the idea that some people are not worth the effort. “Viens pas au bal” (“Don’t come to the party”) implies that not everyone is useful or profitable in the grand scheme of things, and that it’s better for some to “stay in bed” (stay out of the way).
• “Si on s’alliait, on pourrait niquer les un pour cent à la tête de tout”
  → Vald imagines a scenario where people unite against the “one percent,” the elite who control the world. This is a call for rebellion, suggesting that if the masses came together, they could overthrow the powers that be.
• “Mais on se marche dessus, le berger a une tête de gnou”
  → Vald expresses the futility of revolution. Even when the people have the potential to unite, they are divided (“on se marche dessus”), and the “berger” (leader/shepherd) is likened to a “gnou” (gnu or wildebeest), symbolizing a clueless or ineffective leader.

2. The Couplet: Nihilism and Social Commentary

• “Viens pas dans le rap, c’est déjà saturé, chaque vendredi, putain, c’est abusé”
  → Vald is commenting on the oversaturation of the rap game, where everyone is trying to break into the industry, yet there’s no space left for fresh voices. This speaks to the commodification of art and how the industry can become overcrowded and devoid of genuine creativity.
• “Les serveurs sont déjà très pollués, n’en rajoute pas, il faut évoluer”
  → This line might refer to digital platforms or industries being overcrowded or “polluted,” making it harder for new talent to emerge. Vald encourages growth and evolution rather than contributing to the chaos.
• “Trouve ta place dans la cohue, eh, ou nique ta mère ménopausée”
  → Vald challenges listeners to find their place in the chaos or “fuck off.” The insult “nique ta mère ménopausée” is harsh, likely aimed at someone he sees as irrelevant or out of touch.
• “Surtout, ne fais pas d’enfants, y a plus de place au cimetière”
  → Vald takes a very dark stance here, suggesting that bringing children into the world is a bad idea because there’s “no more space in the cemetery.” This is a nihilistic view on the future, echoing themes of overpopulation and despair.
• “Y a déjà trop d’SDF, d’âmes en peine et de misère”
  → He points to the overwhelming social issues that already exist, including homelessness (“trop d’SDF”), and the suffering of people in society. The world is already full of pain and struggle, making the idea of adding more problems seem irresponsible.
• “Thanos a raison, en fait, j’pense qu’il faut fumer tout l’monde”
  → Referring to the villain Thanos from the Avengers universe, who believed in reducing the population to save the planet, Vald expresses a radical, extreme view: “We should wipe out everyone.” This is an exaggeration of Thanos’ philosophy, but it reflects Vald’s frustration with the world.
• “La Terre à sang et à feu, et toi, tu sers à rien, c’est affreux”
  → This is an apocalyptic vision where the world is in flames, and those who do nothing to improve it are useless and “affreux” (awful).
• “Pour un monde meilleur, il faut ton cadavre”
  → A chilling statement that for a better world, some must “sacrifice” themselves. This could be a metaphor for the sacrifices required in any major social change, or it could be an expression of nihilism and despair.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What is the overall message of “REGULATION”?
A: REGULATION is a song about frustration with societal structures, the state of the world, and the competition for power. Vald critiques the oversaturation of fame and success, and he expresses nihilistic thoughts about the future and survival. It’s a commentary on the broken systems that create inequality, along with a rebellious, harsh call to action.

Q2: What is the meaning of “la Terre à sang et à feu”?
A: The phrase translates to “the Earth is bleeding and on fire,” symbolizing an apocalyptic world filled with destruction and chaos. Vald uses this imagery to describe the state of the planet and the people who seem apathetic or disconnected from it.

Q3: Why does Vald mention Thanos in the song?
A: Vald references Thanos, the fictional character from Avengers, to highlight his radical, extreme outlook on the world’s problems. Thanos’ solution to overpopulation—wiping out half the universe—mirrors Vald’s frustration with the state of the world and his bleak view of society.

Q4: What does “bitch, on est trop, je viens réguler” mean?
A: This line means “Bitch, we’re too many, I’m here to regulate.” It reflects Vald’s feeling of being part of a saturated, chaotic world, where too many people are competing for space and attention. Vald is positioning himself as someone who wants to impose control over the situation.

Q5: What is the significance of the line “Pour un monde meilleur, il faut ton cadavre”?
A: This line represents the extreme, nihilistic viewpoint that drastic actions—such as sacrifice or even death—are necessary for a better world. It could be a metaphor for the painful changes required to fix societal issues, or it could reflect Vald’s disillusionment with the current state of the world.

Conclusion

REGULATION is a powerful, aggressive track that conveys Vald’s frustration with the world, fame, and the idea of progress. It reflects his deep discontent with the oversaturation of the rap scene and the apocalyptic state of society, with nihilistic and radical views about survival, sacrifice, and change. The song is dark and intense, aiming to challenge the listener’s thoughts about the world and their place in it.