Fable

Yves Montand's song "Fable" tells a poignant story set in a small village, where the only bird is half-devoured by the only cat. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the village's sorrow as they mourn the loss of the bird, highlighting the interconnectedness of the community and the impact of the bird's death on everyone, including the cat. The bird's song, which once filled the village, is silenced, and even the cat stops its usual behavior, reflecting a shared sense of loss.

The village's reaction to the bird's death is deeply ceremonial, with a little girl carrying the bird's body in a small straw coffin, crying incessantly. This imagery underscores the innocence and purity of the villagers' emotions. The cat, invited to the funeral, walks behind the coffin, symbolizing its unintended role in the tragedy. The cat's remorse is palpable as it expresses regret to the little girl, wishing it had eaten the bird entirely to spare her the pain of knowing the truth. This moment reveals a complex understanding of grief and the human tendency to prefer comforting lies over harsh realities.

The song concludes with a moral lesson: "Il ne faut jamais faire les choses à moitié" (One should never do things halfway). This line encapsulates the essence of the fable, suggesting that half-measures can lead to greater sorrow and regret. Montand's delivery, combined with the simple yet profound narrative, invites listeners to reflect on the consequences of their actions and the importance of considering the full impact of their decisions. The song's timeless message resonates with universal themes of loss, regret, and the human condition.