Les Marquises

Jacques Brel's song 'Les Marquises' is a poetic and evocative tribute to the Marquesas Islands, a remote archipelago in French Polynesia where Brel spent the last years of his life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the islands' serene and timeless beauty, contrasting it with the often harsh realities of life elsewhere. Brel's words are filled with metaphors and imagery that capture the essence of the islands' tranquil yet powerful presence.

The song opens with a stark comparison between the way the islanders speak of death and the way one might speak of a fruit, highlighting a sense of acceptance and familiarity with the natural cycle of life and death. The imagery of the sea and the well further emphasizes the depth and mystery of the islands. The mention of women being lascivious under the dreaded sun and the absence of winter not equating to summer suggests a place where time and seasons blend into a continuous, unchanging flow.

Brel's lyrics also touch on the cultural and historical aspects of the Marquesas. The reference to old white horses humming Gauguin evokes the presence of the famous painter who found inspiration in the islands. The lack of wind causing time to stand still, the fires and silence of the evening, and the moon advancing all contribute to a sense of timelessness and stillness. The sea, described as infinitely torn by rocks with frantic names, adds a layer of drama and intensity to the otherwise calm setting.

The song's final verses reflect on the simplicity and purity of life in the Marquesas. The laughter in the heart, the word in the gaze, and the heart being a traveler all speak to a deep connection with the present moment and a carefree attitude towards the future. The passing of coconut trees writing love songs, the canoes coming and going, and the transformation of memories into what the old make of them all underscore the cyclical and enduring nature of life on the islands. Brel concludes with a poignant reminder that complaining is not fitting in such a paradise, encapsulating the spirit of acceptance and contentment that defines 'Les Marquises.'