De Nogent jusqu'a la mer

Jean Ferrat's song 'De Nogent jusqu'à la mer' is a poetic exploration of a romantic relationship, using the journey along the Seine River as a metaphor for the stages of love. The lyrics describe a voyage from Nogent to the sea, passing through Paris and Rouen, symbolizing the progression of a relationship from its hopeful beginnings to its melancholic end. The river serves as a powerful metaphor for the flow of emotions and the passage of time, with each city representing a different phase in the relationship.

The song begins with a sense of optimism and dreaminess, as indicated by the 'brume' (mist) in the lover's grey eyes and the 'rêve' (dream) in their green eyes. This initial phase, from Nogent to Paris and then to Rouen, is filled with the promise of love and the excitement of new beginnings. The mention of the sea, where 'les grands bateaux' (the big ships) can sail away, symbolizes the vast possibilities and adventures that love can bring.

However, as the journey continues, the tone shifts to one of disillusionment and sorrow. The 'ennui' (boredom) in the lover's grey eyes from Nogent to Paris and the 'mots amers' (bitter words) exchanged from Paris to Rouen signify the deterioration of the relationship. The sea, once a symbol of endless possibilities, now represents a place where 'tant d'inconnus' (so many strangers) can take the lover away. The song concludes with a sense of loss and sadness, as the narrator returns 'tristement' (sadly) from the sea back to Nogent, reflecting on the faded love and the inevitable end of the journey.

Ferrat's use of the river journey as a metaphor for a romantic relationship is both poignant and evocative, capturing the highs and lows of love with lyrical beauty. The song's imagery and emotional depth make it a timeless reflection on the nature of love and loss.