Les Coucous
La Volée D'Castors
The Enigmatic Song of the Cuckoos
La Volée D'Castors' song "Les Coucous" is a whimsical and somewhat mysterious exploration of the presence and absence of cuckoo birds, which serve as a metaphor for deeper human emotions and experiences. The song opens with a query about the whereabouts of the cuckoos, noting that while they are no longer visible, their songs can still be heard. This sets the stage for a reflection on the unseen yet felt aspects of life, much like the hidden but audible cuckoos in the garden.
The lyrics then introduce a character, a man behind a door, who is preoccupied with 'carousser,' a term that can be interpreted as caressing or perhaps engaging in some form of idle activity. This man is questioned about his actions and reveals that his behavior stems from a fear of becoming a 'coucou' himself. Here, the cuckoo symbolizes a state of being or a transformation that the man dreads, suggesting a fear of change or losing one's identity.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that becoming a cuckoo is not seen as a significant transformation, especially when one is engaged in the dance of life. The final lines, which greet one person and then another, imply a communal experience where the cuckoos, or those who have undergone this transformation, are ultimately part of the collective human experience. The song, with its playful yet poignant lyrics, invites listeners to ponder the nature of change, identity, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.