Mourir D'Aimer

Charles Aznavour's song 'Mourir D'Aimer' delves into the profound and often tragic nature of forbidden love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is condemned by society, yet so powerful that the lovers are willing to face the ultimate sacrifice. The opening lines, 'Les parois de ma vie sont lisses / Je m'y accroche mais je glisse,' suggest a sense of helplessness and inevitability, as the protagonist feels himself slipping towards his fate. This fate, as the title suggests, is to 'die of love,' a poignant metaphor for the all-consuming nature of their passion.

The song explores the theme of societal judgment and the refuge that love provides against it. 'Tandis que le monde me juge / Je ne vois pour moi qu'un refuge,' highlights the isolation and condemnation faced by the lovers. Despite this, they find solace in each other, even if it means paying the ultimate price. The line 'Pécher contre le corps mais non contre l'esprit' suggests that while their love may be seen as a sin by societal standards, it is pure and true in spirit.

Aznavour's lyrics also touch on the idea of defiance and dignity in the face of defeat. 'Partir en redressant la tête / Sortir vainqueur d'une défaite' speaks to the lovers' determination to hold their heads high, even as they face insurmountable odds. The song concludes with a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of their love, 'Tu es le printemps, moi l'automne,' symbolizing the contrast between youth and age, and the inevitability of their separation. 'Mourir D'Aimer' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, sacrifice, and the defiance of societal norms.