Verlaine (Chanson d'automne)

Charles Trénet's song "Verlaine (Chanson d'automne)" is a poignant and evocative piece that draws heavily from the poem "Chanson d'automne" by Paul Verlaine. The lyrics capture the essence of autumn, a season often associated with decay and melancholy. The opening lines, "Les sanglots longs des violons de l'automne," immediately set a somber tone, likening the long, drawn-out sobs to the sound of violins, a metaphor for the sadness that autumn brings. This imagery is powerful, evoking a sense of deep, almost suffocating sorrow that permeates the heart with a monotonous languor.

As the song progresses, Trénet delves into the theme of nostalgia and the passage of time. The lines "Je me souviens des jours anciens et je pleure" reflect a longing for the past, a common sentiment as one faces the inevitable changes that come with the seasons. This remembrance of "ancient days" brings tears, highlighting the emotional weight of memories and the pain of realizing that those days are gone forever. The use of the word "blême" (pale) further emphasizes the lifelessness and exhaustion that accompany these reflections.

The final verses, "Et je m'en vais au vent mauvais qui m'emporte deçà, delà, pareil à la feuille morte," encapsulate the feeling of being at the mercy of life's uncontrollable forces. The imagery of being carried away by the "bad wind" like a dead leaf suggests a sense of helplessness and resignation. This metaphor not only underscores the transient nature of life but also the inevitability of change and the passage of time. Trénet's interpretation of Verlaine's poem is a masterful blend of lyrical beauty and emotional depth, making it a timeless reflection on the human condition.