Six heures moins quart

Patrick Norman's song "Six heures moins quart" delves into the lives of a couple who have spent decades in mundane, unfulfilling jobs, all the while harboring dreams of artistic greatness. The song opens with the father, who has been driving a taxi for 32 years. He is exhausted and disillusioned, feeling trapped in a life that offers no escape. The repetitive nature of his job has drained him of hope, and he finds solace only in the understanding of his wife, who recognizes the artist hidden within him.

The narrative then shifts to the mother, who has also been toiling for 32 years, trying to maintain their home. Her work as a housekeeper has stripped her of her passions, reducing her to a life of drudgery. Like her husband, she too has an artistic soul, dreaming of a life on stage. The song poignantly highlights the sacrifices she has made, losing herself in the process. Yet, she finds comfort in her husband's understanding, as he too is an artist at heart.

The refrain of the song emphasizes their hidden talents. The father sees himself as a great musician, akin to renowned artists like Gilles Vigneault or Robert Charlebois. The mother envisions herself as a celebrated actress, a rare talent in a world that no longer appreciates such artistry. The song captures the essence of unfulfilled dreams and the quiet resignation that comes with years of sacrifice. It speaks to the universal human experience of longing for a life that remains just out of reach, and the small comforts found in mutual understanding and shared dreams.