Jour Meilleur is Orelsan’s heartfelt pep-talk to a friend who is drowning in bleak mornings and déjà-vu nights. With his trademark mix of honesty and irony, the French rapper admits that depression isn’t a cold you can simply “treat,” yet he pledges to stay by the listener’s side for as long as it takes. The desert image pops up again and again – endless sand, no clear exit – but every dune might be hiding the finish line, so the only plan is to keep walking.
Instead of sugar-coating reality, Orelsan balances tough truths (“Tout va s’arranger, c’est faux”) with sparks of hope: when a brighter day arrives, you’ll look back and laugh at today’s struggles. The song reminds us that you can’t control everything, but you can choose to move forward, lean on friends, and believe that a “jour meilleur” – a better day – is waiting just beyond the next rise.
Aurélien Cotentin, known professionally as Orelsan, is a celebrated French rapper, songwriter, record producer, actor, and director from Normandy. Since beginning his career in 2002, Orelsan has become one of the most iconic voices in French hip hop, recognized for his witty lyrics that blend humor and irony with profound themes.
With four successful studio albums including Perdu d'avance, Le chant des sirènes, La fête est finie, and Civilisation, his music appeals to a wide audience beyond traditional rap fans. He is also half of the duo Casseurs Flowters, alongside Gringe, known for their innovative collaborations. Often compared to Eminem for his sharp storytelling and dynamic style, Orelsan has won numerous awards, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best French Act and France's prestigious title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. His work not only shapes French music but also contributes significantly to contemporary culture.