Bleu marine et blues marin

Michel Fugain's song 'Bleu marine et blues marin' is a poetic exploration of unfulfilled dreams and the melancholic beauty of longing. The lyrics paint vivid images of dreams that never leave the 'boîte à rêves' (dream box), akin to rusted cargo ships stranded at the end of a quay. This metaphor sets the tone for the entire song, suggesting that some aspirations remain forever out of reach, much like ships that never set sail.

The song's protagonist dreams of adventurous voyages to the Southern Cross, encounters in the Bermuda Triangle, and the thrill of catching the wind in his sails. These dreams are filled with romantic and exotic imagery, such as stealing the scents of women at port stops and experiencing opium nights with Rimbaud. However, the recurring refrain 'Pas l'temps, pas l'choix' (No time, no choice) underscores the harsh reality that these dreams are unattainable, leading to a sense of resignation and wistfulness.

Fugain also touches on the permanence of certain phrases and the unchanging nature of some horizons, symbolizing the inescapable aspects of life. The song reflects on the need for hope and space, even if the dreams are never realized. The recurring imagery of the setting sun and 'tes yeux bleu marine' (your navy blue eyes) paired with 'mon blues marin' (my sailor's blues) evokes a deep sense of melancholy and unfulfilled longing. The song concludes with the acknowledgment that time plays a cruel game, leaving dreams unfulfilled and coloring life with a tinge of sorrow.