L'âme des poêtes (Longtemps, longtemps, longtemps)

Charles Trénet's song 'L'âme des poêtes (Longtemps, longtemps, longtemps)' is a poignant reflection on the enduring legacy of poets and their work. The lyrics suggest that even long after poets have passed away, their songs continue to resonate in the streets, sung by people who may not even know the names of the original authors. This idea speaks to the timeless nature of art and how it transcends the lives of its creators, becoming a part of the collective cultural memory.

The song also touches on the idea of how art evolves over time. Trénet mentions that people might change a word or a phrase, or even hum the tune when they run out of ideas. This highlights the fluidity of artistic expression and how it adapts to different contexts and generations. The act of singing 'la la la' when words fail is a universal gesture, emphasizing that the essence of the song remains, even if its form changes.

Furthermore, Trénet imagines a future where his own song might be sung to soothe a sorrow or celebrate a happy destiny. He envisions his music living on in various scenarios, from comforting an old beggar to lulling a child to sleep, or playing by the water in springtime. This imagery underscores the emotional impact of music and its ability to touch lives in myriad ways. The song concludes by acknowledging that the light-hearted and melancholic tunes of poets will continue to affect people from all walks of life—be they girls, boys, bourgeois, artists, or vagabonds—long after the poets themselves have disappeared.