Video Drum Cover – Alain Souchon – Et si en plus y’a personne

“Et si en plus y’a personne”, released in 2005 on La Vie Théodore, is one of Alain Souchon’s most powerful and contemplative songs—a quiet thunderclap in his discography. Unlike his more ironic or lighthearted works, this track is grave, introspective, and striking in its lyrical courage. It’s a song that questions the violence committed in the name of religion, gently but boldly asking: “Et si en plus y’a personne ?” — What if there’s no one up there after all?

The music mirrors the gravity of the message. For listeners attuned to rhythm, this track is a masterclass in minimalist drumming with emotional weight.

The drum part is not complex or flashy. Instead, it’s full of intention and space. A slow, deliberate groove underpins the entire track—brushy snares, soft kicks, and cymbals that shimmer rather than crash. The beat never competes with the voice; it supports it like a shadow. It feels like the ticking of a conscience, subtle but unrelenting. Each snare tap is like a breath between doubts, and the overall tempo is just slow enough to draw listeners inward.

The real art lies in the dynamic evolution. As the lyrics build in emotional intensity, the drums follow—but never in an obvious way. There’s no big climax, just a gradual thickening of the rhythm, a heavier hand on the snare, a slightly deeper swell in the toms. It’s subtle, yet incredibly effective—a heartbeat rising in quiet protest.

Live versions of the song—especially during Souchon’s tours in the late 2000s—often featured even more intimate drumming. In small venues or on TV performances, the percussion would be reduced to its essence: sometimes just a cajón, brushes, or soft electronic pads. These stripped-down interpretations brought out the full emotional range of the rhythm, proving that less truly can be more.

For drummers, “Et si en plus y’a personne” is a reminder that silence, restraint, and purposeful simplicity can be just as moving as any technical solo. It’s a song where the rhythm doesn’t shout—it asks. And in doing so, it becomes unforgettable.