Au bord de l'eau

Gerald de Palmas' song "Au bord de l'eau" paints a vivid picture of a man seeking solace and escape from the overwhelming chaos of urban life. The lyrics begin with the protagonist leaving the city at the break of dawn, choosing to avoid the hustle and bustle. This decision to circumvent the city and instead take a tranquil route around an island sets the tone for the song's theme of seeking peace and simplicity.

The refrain introduces a mysterious girl by the water who finds the protagonist attractive. This encounter symbolizes a moment of pure, unspoken connection and tranquility. The protagonist spends hours with her, enjoying the serene environment without the need for words. This silence and the girl's presence provide a stark contrast to the noise and demands of city life, highlighting the protagonist's desire for a simpler, more meaningful existence.

As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on his past, realizing that his efforts to be interesting and noticed have led to a sense of loss and disconnection. This introspection culminates in a resolution to go to the ends of the earth, seeking the vast, unending ocean as a metaphor for ultimate freedom and escape. The repetition of the refrain underscores the protagonist's yearning for the peace and connection he finds by the water, away from the pressures and superficialities of urban life.