Tous Les Visages de L'amour

Charles Aznavour's song 'Tous Les Visages de L'amour' is a poetic exploration of the complex and multifaceted nature of love. The lyrics convey a sense of awe and wonder at the ever-changing persona of the beloved, who is adorned with a myriad of traits that keep the speaker guessing about their true identity. The song reflects on how love can transform a person, showing different faces that range from angelic to demonic, embodying both joy and torment for the lover.

Aznavour's lyrics also delve into the existential significance of love, suggesting that without the beloved, the speaker's life would lack meaning. The beloved is portrayed as the creator of the speaker's happiness and suffering, capable of evoking the full spectrum of emotions. The speaker acknowledges their own vulnerability and power, comparing themselves to the elements—sometimes fierce and strong, other times weak and subdued. This duality underscores the influence of love on the speaker's identity and existence.

The song culminates in a plea for the beloved to take control, to shape the speaker's fate, whether it leads to happiness or sorrow. The speaker's dependence on the beloved's words, which can elevate them to divine heights or reduce them to nothing, highlights the profound impact of love on a person's soul. Aznavour's portrayal of love as a force that can dictate one's destiny resonates with listeners, as it captures the universal experience of being at the mercy of love's many faces.