En T'attendant

Mélanie Laurent's song 'En T'attendant' is a poetic exploration of the passage of time and the emotional landscape of waiting for a loved one. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the singer's whimsical and often melancholic activities as she fills her days in anticipation. From making playful gestures to the clouds to creating ephemeral sandcastles, the song captures a sense of childlike wonder and the bittersweet nature of waiting.

The recurring theme of time is central to the song. Laurent contrasts her own experience of time, which feels slow and unproductive, with the natural passage of time, which seems to take its own leisurely course. This juxtaposition highlights the emotional weight of waiting, as the singer invents trivial games and activities to pass the time. The lyrics 'Le temps prend tout son temps / Et moi je perds le mien' (Time takes all its time / And I lose mine) poignantly express this sentiment.

The song also delves into the emotional turmoil and resilience involved in waiting. The singer engages in various activities, from blowing bubbles in rose water to drawing melodies on the ground, all while holding onto the hope of the loved one's return. The imagery of 'making circles of smoke with cigarettes' and 'letting the beautiful years burn away' suggests a sense of loss and longing. Yet, there is also a sense of determination and self-reliance, as the singer continues to find ways to occupy her time and maintain her spirit.

Ultimately, 'En T'attendant' is a beautiful and introspective song that captures the complexities of waiting for someone. It speaks to the universal experience of longing and the creative ways people cope with the passage of time in the absence of a loved one.