Tous les bœufs (Elle aimait un taureau)

Milton Georges' song "Tous les bœufs (Elle aimait un taureau)" is a whimsical yet poignant narrative set against the backdrop of a pastoral landscape. The story revolves around a cow from Brittany who becomes the object of affection for a herd of oxen in Spain. Despite their collective admiration, the cow's heart belongs to a robust and handsome bull she once saw at a livestock market in Bilbao. This unrequited love sets the stage for a tale of jealousy, gossip, and the complexities of romantic desire among the bovine characters.

The oxen, feeling spurned by the cow's indifference, attempt to dissuade her from her infatuation with the bull by spreading rumors about his promiscuity and lack of genuine affection. They paint the bull as a professional heartbreaker, moving from cow to cow without forming any real attachments. This gossip causes the cow great distress, yet her feelings for the bull remain unwavering. The narrative takes a turn when the cow is brought back to Bilbao and reunited with the bull, who, despite his reputation, expresses a desire to be with her.

In a dramatic confrontation, the bull learns of the oxen's deceit and threatens them, causing them to flee. The cow, amused by the situation, ultimately decides to stay with the bull, accepting his profession and the lifestyle it entails. The song concludes on a note of acceptance and continuity, as the cow and the bull continue their lives together, with the cow giving birth to a calf each year. Through its playful yet insightful lyrics, the song explores themes of love, jealousy, and the social dynamics within a community, all while anthropomorphizing its animal characters to reflect human emotions and relationships.