Que Vois-je ?

In the song "Que Vois-je ?" from "L'étrange Noël de Monsieur Jack" (The Nightmare Before Christmas), Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles upon Christmas Town and is utterly mesmerized by what he sees. The lyrics capture his astonishment and wonder as he encounters a world starkly different from his own. The vibrant colors, the joy, and the warmth of Christmas Town are a stark contrast to the dark and eerie Halloween Town. Jack is bewildered by the sight of children playing, snowflakes falling, and the overall sense of happiness and peace that permeates the town.

Jack's repeated exclamations of "Que vois-je ?" ("What do I see?") highlight his disbelief and curiosity. He is used to a world filled with fear and darkness, where throwing corpses and scaring people is the norm. In Christmas Town, however, he sees people throwing snowballs, riding carousels, and embracing each other under the mistletoe. This new world is filled with warmth, love, and a sense of community that Jack has never experienced before. The sight of children dreaming peacefully, without any monsters or nightmares, further emphasizes the stark contrast between the two worlds.

The song also reflects Jack's inner transformation. As he explores Christmas Town, he feels a sense of joy and wonder that he has never felt before. The warmth of the sun and the festive atmosphere make his heart swell with happiness. Jack's desire to learn more about this magical place and his determination to bring some of its joy back to Halloween Town signify his longing for change and a new purpose. The song beautifully captures the essence of discovery, wonder, and the desire for a better, more joyful life.