Meaning of 'If You Go Away'

by Patricia Kaas

Interpretation

The lyrics of the song "If You Go Away" by Patricia Kaas are about a relationship that is on the verge of falling apart. The text expresses the fear and despair that come with the loss of a loved one.

In the first part of the text, the singer describes the beauty and happiness he experienced with his partner. The lines "All the birds that flew in the summer sky, When our love was new and our hearts were high" illustrate the joy and lightness they had at the beginning of their relationship. The metaphors of the sun, birds, and moon symbolize the love and happiness they shared together.

But then comes the dark turn. The singer realizes that his partner wants to leave and he tries to convince him to stay. He promises him a life that he won't find anywhere else. The lines "We'll sail the sun, we'll ride on the rain, we'll talk to the trees, we'll worship the wind" convey the idea of a magical and intense life they could lead together.

Despite all his efforts, the singer finally accepts his partner's decision to leave. He realizes that he can't hold on to him and that there is nothing he can trust anymore. The lines "There'll be nothing left in this world to trust, Just an empty room full of empty space" show the emptiness and sense of loss he feels.

The text ends with the French words "Ne me quitte pas", which translates to "Don't leave me". This expression illustrates the singer's desperate plea for his partner not to go. It is a last attempt to save the relationship and keep the love together.

Overall, the lyrics of the song "If You Go Away" express the emotions of a crumbling relationship. They show the fear of loss, the hope for a future together, and the despair when one realizes that they can't hold on to the other. It is a song full of heartache and deep feelings.