Bruxelles

Boulevard des Airs' song 'Bruxelles' is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the bittersweet nature of relationships that are strained by distance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that could have been perfect if not for the geographical separation between the lovers. The city of Brussels (Bruxelles) serves as a metaphorical and literal barrier, symbolizing the distance and the emotional chasm that has grown between them.

The song begins with a sense of hope and potential, imagining a scenario where the lovers are just meeting and everything is fresh and exciting. The narrator speaks of having a 'delicious tongue' and a 'honeyed part' of themselves, indicating the sweetness and charm they would bring to the relationship. However, this idealized version of themselves is something they now 'repugn,' suggesting a loss of innocence and a sense of regret over what has been lost.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the reality of their situation. They are 'one of those who stay on the shore,' while their lover is 'one of those who remain planted in Brussels.' This imagery of being left behind while the other moves on is powerful, evoking feelings of abandonment and helplessness. The repeated refrain 'If I were the one, you are the only one' underscores the exclusivity and uniqueness of their bond, yet it is marred by the inevitability of separation.

The song also delves into the narrator's fantasies and regrets. They imagine a life where they could be carefree and happy, admiring their lover from afar and showering them with compliments. Yet, this idealized version of themselves is something they can no longer be, as they admit to having 'lost us.' The references to art, such as comparing the lover's dance to 'dripping' and likening them to a 'Mondrian painting,' add a layer of cultural richness to the song, highlighting the beauty and complexity of their relationship.

In the end, 'Bruxelles' is a melancholic yet beautiful reflection on love, distance, and the what-ifs that haunt us when relationships don't go as planned. The city of Brussels stands as a poignant symbol of separation, making the song resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of a love that couldn't withstand the test of time and distance.