À La Claire Fontaine

“À La Claire Fontaine” is a traditional French folk song, often sung as a children's lullaby, but its lyrics carry a depth of emotion and nostalgia that resonates with listeners of all ages. The song, performed by Chansons Enfantines, tells a poignant story of love lost and the beauty of nature, intertwined with a sense of longing and regret.

The song begins with the narrator taking a walk by a clear fountain, where the beauty of the water entices them to take a swim. This serene and picturesque setting is a metaphor for the purity and simplicity of nature, which contrasts with the complex emotions the narrator is about to reveal. The refrain, “Il y a longtemps que je t'aime, jamais je ne t'oublierai” (I have loved you for a long time, I will never forget you), introduces the theme of enduring love and memory.

As the song progresses, the narrator describes drying off under an oak tree while a nightingale sings joyfully above. The nightingale, often a symbol of happiness and freedom, contrasts sharply with the narrator's sorrowful heart. The narrator's sadness stems from losing a beloved friend, a loss that feels undeserved and is symbolized by the refusal of a bouquet of roses. This small act of refusal leads to a deep sense of regret and longing for the past, wishing that the rose was still on the bush and that the beloved friend still loved them.

The song's simple yet evocative lyrics capture the essence of human emotions—joy, sorrow, regret, and longing—set against the backdrop of nature's timeless beauty. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of relationships and the enduring impact of love and loss on the human heart.