Simple Comme Bonjour

Édith Piaf's song 'Simple Comme Bonjour' delves into the timeless and universal theme of love and loss, wrapped in the simplicity of everyday life. The narrative is straightforward yet deeply poignant, capturing the essence of human emotions in a relatable manner. The song tells the story of two close friends, one blonde and one brunette, whose bond is disrupted by the arrival of a man. The man, with his tender eyes, chooses the blonde, leaving the brunette to grapple with her feelings of abandonment and sorrow. This tale, as Piaf describes, is 'simple comme bonjour'—as simple as saying hello—highlighting how common and unremarkable such stories of love and heartbreak are, yet how profoundly they affect those involved.

The lyrics are imbued with a sense of melancholy and resignation. The brunette's pain is palpable as she watches her friend leave with the man, her tears veiling her vision. The repetition of the phrase 'chacun disait qu'elle était belle' (everyone said she was beautiful) serves as a haunting refrain, echoing the brunette's internal torment and the societal emphasis on physical beauty. This refrain dances in her mind, a constant reminder of her perceived inadequacy and the loss she has suffered.

Piaf's storytelling is masterful, using simple language to convey complex emotions. The song's conclusion is particularly striking, as it hints at a darker turn of events. The brunette, left alone with her sorrow, encounters the blonde again, but the details of this meeting are left to the listener's imagination. The final lines, 'La blonde et la brune sont séparées pour toujours. Il n'en reste qu'une,' suggest a permanent separation, leaving a lingering sense of mystery and tragedy. Through 'Simple Comme Bonjour,' Piaf captures the essence of human relationships, the pain of unrequited love, and the inevitable changes that life brings, all within the framework of a seemingly simple story.