The Palace of Versailles

Al Stewart's song "The Palace of Versailles" delves into the historical and emotional aftermath of the French Revolution. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the chaos and transformation that swept through Paris, symbolized by the rising smoke from the Bastille and the deserted mansions of the aristocracy. The song captures the sense of disillusionment and the lingering questions that haunted the revolutionaries, as they pondered the true cost and outcome of their struggle. The reference to Robespierre, a key figure in the Revolution, underscores the violent and tumultuous nature of this period.

The song also touches on the uncertainty and anticipation that followed the Revolution. The midnight councils and the low-burning lamps symbolize the endless debates and the lack of clear direction among the revolutionaries. The mention of Bonaparte's impending arrival hints at the power vacuum and the eventual rise of Napoleon, who would bring a different kind of order to France. The lyrics convey a sense of waiting and wasting time, as the revolutionaries grapple with the reality that their efforts have not yet yielded the utopia they envisioned.

Stewart's lyrics further explore the enduring impact of the Revolution on French society. The ghost of revolution is depicted as a restless spirit that continues to haunt the streets of Paris, manifesting in the everyday lives of its citizens. The imagery of cheap red wine and cafe summer nights evokes a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, as the voices of the past echo through the modern city. The lonely palace of Versailles stands as a powerful symbol of the unfulfilled promises and the ongoing quest for meaning and justice in the wake of the Revolution.