Bonjour, Au Revoir

Joyce Jonathan's song "Bonjour, Au Revoir" paints a poignant picture of the daily life of a waitress who dreams of a different existence. The lyrics describe her routine, starting with her putting on her apron every morning and facing the same repetitive tasks. Despite the monotony, she finds moments of happiness when she sings in the local café, revealing a duality in her life: a full-time waitress and a part-time dreamer.

The song emphasizes the universality of personal stories and hidden dreams. Jonathan sings about how everyone has a story that is often only shared on special occasions, highlighting the common human experience of harboring hopes and aspirations. The repeated phrase "Bonjour, au revoir" (Hello, goodbye) symbolizes the fleeting interactions and the superficial connections people often have in their daily lives. The inclusion of greetings in multiple languages underscores the global nature of these experiences, suggesting that no matter where you are, people share similar dreams and struggles.

The waitress's dreams are a central theme, as she imagines a life filled with both glory and mundane moments. She questions her own identity and self-awareness, wondering if she truly knows herself. This introspection is a relatable aspect of the human condition, as many people grapple with their sense of self and their place in the world. The song's melancholic yet hopeful tone captures the essence of longing for something more while finding small joys in the present.

"Bonjour, Au Revoir" is a beautiful reflection on the balance between reality and dreams, the stories we carry within us, and the universal nature of human experiences. It reminds us that behind every simple greeting, there is a complex and hopeful individual with their own unique narrative.