L'horloge

Le Rêve du Diable's song 'L'horloge' is a captivating narrative that intertwines themes of time, camaraderie, and the consequences of indulgence. The song begins with the introduction of three captains, who are also brothers, entering an inn to drink new wine. This setting immediately establishes a sense of camaraderie and adventure, typical of folk tales and traditional songs. The refrain, 'Vous qui connaissez l'horloge, dites-moi donc quelle heure il est,' which translates to 'You who know the clock, tell me what time it is,' serves as a recurring reminder of the passage of time and its inevitable impact on the characters' lives.

As the story progresses, the innkeeper directs the captains to a room where three beautiful girls are preparing hot pâté. This scene adds a layer of temptation and indulgence, highlighting the captains' desire for pleasure and comfort. The protagonist, who claims to be the wisest, takes the largest piece of pâté, symbolizing a moment of greed or perhaps a sense of entitlement. However, this indulgence comes at a cost. When they leave the inn, the protagonist finds himself unable to pay the bill, leading to a series of humiliating events where he is stripped of his clothes and left in a vulnerable state.

The song concludes with a vivid image of the protagonist, now in his undershirt, exposed to a devilish wind that chills him to the bone. The final lines, 'Y restait plus que le tic tac, le tic tac pis le branlant,' which translate to 'Only the tick-tock, the tick-tock and the swaying remained,' emphasize the relentless march of time and the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures. This haunting ending serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of one's actions and the inescapable passage of time, encapsulating the song's central themes in a powerful and evocative manner.