La chanson de Bilbao

Yves Montand's 'La chanson de Bilbao' is a nostalgic ode to a bygone era, capturing the essence of a vibrant and lively dance hall in Bilbao. The song paints a vivid picture of the 'bal à Bill,' a place filled with noise, dreams, and a sense of carefree joy. The lyrics evoke a time when people laughed and drank with abandon, and the moonlight filtered through the roof, adding a magical touch to the atmosphere. The refrain, 'Vieille lune de Bilbao,' serves as a recurring motif, symbolizing the enduring beauty and romance of those nights.

The song also touches on the inevitable passage of time and the changes it brings. Montand reminisces about a specific day in 1908 when four men from San Francisco arrived, causing a ruckus with their browning guns. Despite the chaos, the music continued, underscoring the resilience and spirit of the place. This juxtaposition of violence and joy highlights the complexity of human experiences and the multifaceted nature of memories.

In the final verses, Montand laments the transformation of the dance hall into a more ordinary and sanitized establishment. The once wild and untamed venue, where even grass grew on the parquet floor, has now become just another place with 'plantes grasses et glaces ordinaires.' This change signifies a loss of authenticity and spontaneity, leaving Montand feeling a sense of sadness and longing for the past. The song ultimately serves as a poignant reminder of how places and experiences that once held deep meaning can evolve and lose their original charm over time.