This socially inspired song describes the poverty and hardship faced in the 1960s by many Quebec families, including that of the songwriter himself. Dubois paints a faithful portrait of the political landscape during a time when the province was still under the firm grip of the Catholic Church, and when many of its residents felt that they lacked the education to challenge the English Canadian-dominated business world. The song thus reflects the deep economic, social and environmental changes affecting the life conditions and quality of thousands of Quebec families.

After returning home from France, Claude Dubois experienced his first chart-topping success with this song, which delivered a powerful social and political message on the rock-flavoured catchy rhythm of the period.