☝️ Key Points
- The song is about a complicated love relationship marked by insecurity, seduction, and passion.
- The title 'Contre-jour' means 'against the light' and can be interpreted as a metaphor for the opaque nature of the relationship.
- The lyrics show the silent and secretive communication between the lovers and the mixture of seduction and rejection.
- The song describes the darkness and ambiguity of the relationship, symbolized by the metaphor of flowers with thorns.
- The song raises the question of whether the love and passion in this relationship are worth it and whether it will be regretted in the end.
Interpretation
"Contre-jour" by
Francoise Hardy is a melancholic song that talks about a complicated love relationship. The song describes a relationship marked by uncertainty, seduction, and passion.
The title itself, "Contre-jour", means "backlight" in French. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the dark and opaque nature of the relationship. The sun in backlight represents the difficult moments where the two protagonists try to hide their feelings and intentions.
The lines "Il lui disait dans un souffle" and "Elle répondait dans un souffle" show the silent and secret communication between the lovers. They whisper their desires and fears to each other, as if they are afraid to express their true feelings. There is a mix of seduction and rejection in their words.
The text also describes the darkness and ambiguity of the relationship. The lines "Dans la bouche un goût de cendre" and "Sa douceur est assassine" convey the feeling of bitter sweetness and the danger that comes from love. The metaphor of flowers with thorns symbolizes the destructive nature of the relationship.
Finally, the song raises the question of whether the love and passion present in this relationship are worth it. The line "Regrette-t-il les amours aux couleurs de feu, noir et or?" asks if, at the end of the day, one regrets getting involved in this passionate yet complicated relationship.
Overall, "Contre-jour" by Francoise Hardy describes an emotional relationship full of secrets, uncertainty, and passion. The song expresses the complexity of human relationships and raises the question of the value and consequences of love.