Tant qu'il y aura des chevaux

Marie Laforêt's song 'Tant qu'il y aura des chevaux' is a poetic ode to enduring love, intertwined with the timeless beauty of nature. The refrain, 'Tant qu'il y aura des chevaux, des arbres, des oiseaux,' translates to 'As long as there are horses, trees, birds,' setting a scene where the natural world serves as a backdrop for a love that is as enduring and unchanging as the elements themselves. This imagery suggests that as long as nature exists, the bond between the lovers will remain unbroken.

The verses delve deeper into the intimate connection between the two lovers. Laforêt sings about their similarities and the way their bodies and souls align, 'Puisque tu me ressembles, puisque je te ressemble,' meaning 'Since you resemble me, since I resemble you.' This mutual reflection signifies a deep, almost spiritual connection, where each partner sees themselves in the other. The metaphor of the candle that 'caracole' (prances) and 'perd la boussole' (loses its compass) illustrates the unpredictable and passionate nature of their love, which, despite its intensity, remains grounded in their shared essence.

Further, the song explores the roles and dynamics within the relationship. Laforêt describes herself as the woman and her partner as the child, indicating a nurturing, protective aspect to their love. She also refers to herself as the word and her partner as the letter, symbolizing how they complete each other, with one giving meaning to the other. This interplay of roles and identities underscores the complexity and depth of their bond, making it clear that their love is multifaceted and profound.

Ultimately, 'Tant qu'il y aura des chevaux' is a celebration of a love that is as eternal and unchanging as the natural world. It speaks to the idea that true love is a force of nature, enduring through time and transcending the ordinary, much like the horses, trees, and birds that populate the song's lyrical landscape.