Released: 2024
“Moi” by Central Cee featuring RAYE is a track that dives deep into themes of love, struggle, and success. The song mixes French and English, adding a unique flavor to its storytelling. Central Cee reflects on his past hardships and newfound success, while RAYE adds a touch of emotional complexity.
The hook, sung by RAYE, sets the tone of the song. She sings in French, expressing a longing to see someone and pretending not to be in love. This creates a sense of emotional conflict and sets up the narrative of the song.
“Je pense à toi, J’aimerais te voir ce soir” translates to “I think of you, I would like to see you tonight.” This line shows a desire for connection. “Je ne suis pas amoureuse de toi (fais semblant)” means “I am not in love with you (pretend).” RAYE is suggesting to fake it, adding a layer of complexity.
“I wonder why, There’s a stone-cold breeze as I kiss him goodbye” continues the emotional conflict. The cold breeze symbolizes the lack of warmth in the relationship. “Paris is the city of love, they say, But not for him and I” contrasts the romantic image of Paris with their failing relationship.
“C’est la dernière fois, fois, pour toi et moi” means “This is the last time, time, for you and me.” RAYE is indicating that this is the end of their relationship. “Ouais, ouais, j’ai compris que même les bad bitches pleurent” translates to “Yeah, yeah, I understood that even bad bitches cry.” This line shows vulnerability.
Central Cee’s verse shifts the focus to his life experiences. “What’s that smell in the chest of drawers? Young boy sellin’ them benz and scores” refers to his past involvement in illegal activities. “Gotta get rich in desperate cause” highlights his determination to escape poverty.
“Talk about drill, gotta mention moi” asserts his importance in the drill music scene. “No homo, but I slept with bro, Broke, I was sharin’ my bredrin’s clothes” shows the lengths he went to survive. “Then I got rich and I kept them close” emphasizes loyalty to his friends.
“I can’t have one girl, I need un, deux, trois” means “I can’t have one girl, I need one, two, three.” This line reflects his lifestyle. “Two plus one, tell her, ‘Come over'” continues this theme. “Gave her the dick like I’m on Adderall, I don’t take drugs though, I fuck sober” boasts about his sexual prowess.
“French girl ask, do I know Koba? I’m in Champs-Élysées in a Jeep chauffeur” shows his international lifestyle. “She try ask, ‘Will I eat?’ No, suh, I used to sleep on a cheap sofa” contrasts his past struggles with his current success. “‘019 we was kitchen whippin'” refers to cooking drugs.
“If they had TikTok them times and a man asked me what I do for a livin’, Then I would’ve started fibbin'” shows how he would’ve lied about his activities. “Sirens, they had my heartbeat skippin’, I was a good boy ’til I started sinnin'” reflects his fear of getting caught and his descent into crime.
The song’s repetitive lines emphasize key themes. Central Cee’s journey from poverty to success, his loyalty to friends, and his complex relationships are central. The mix of French and English adds depth, making “Moi” a rich narrative of struggle, love, and triumph.
