La Maree Haute

Lhasa de Sela's song 'La Maree Haute' is a poetic exploration of emotional journeys and the complexities of the human heart. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and imagery, painting a vivid picture of a traveler on a seemingly endless road. The road itself is personified, singing when the traveler moves and falling silent when they stop, symbolizing the ever-changing nature of life's path. This journey is not just physical but deeply emotional, reflecting the highs and lows one experiences in life.

The recurring motif of the 'marée haute' or 'high tide' serves as a powerful metaphor for overwhelming emotions. The singer describes ascending on this high tide, with a mind full of thoughts but a heart that still feels empty. This contrast between a full mind and an unsatisfied heart captures the essence of human longing and the search for deeper meaning and fulfillment. The high tide can be seen as a force that lifts the individual, yet it also highlights the emotional void that remains unfilled.

Lhasa's use of vivid imagery, such as 'mains de dentelle' (lace hands) and 'figure de bois' (wooden face), adds layers of complexity to the song. These descriptions evoke a sense of fragility and rigidity, perhaps reflecting the dual nature of human emotions—delicate yet unyielding. The repetition of taking 'three steps' and encountering someone suggests a cyclical pattern, possibly alluding to recurring encounters or memories that shape one's emotional landscape. Through 'La Maree Haute,' Lhasa de Sela masterfully conveys the intricate dance between the mind and the heart, and the perpetual quest for emotional equilibrium.