La marche des rois

Tino Rossi's song "La marche des rois" is a beautiful retelling of the journey of the Three Wise Men, or Magi, who traveled to pay homage to the newborn Jesus Christ. The song opens with the narrator encountering the procession of the three kings early in the morning. This sets a serene and reverent tone, emphasizing the significance of their journey. The imagery of the kings traveling on a grand road, accompanied by armed guards and pages, highlights the importance and grandeur of their mission.

As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the kings themselves, who are described as modest and angelic despite their royal status. They travel in a golden chariot, surrounded by banners, which adds a sense of majesty and divine purpose to their journey. The guiding star, a central symbol in the Nativity story, leads them to a humble stable where Jesus was born. This contrast between the kings' grandeur and the simplicity of the stable underscores the humility and sacredness of the event.

The final verses of the song describe the kings presenting their gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense to the Christ child. These gifts are symbolic, representing Jesus' kingship, divinity, and eventual suffering. The act of offering these precious items signifies the kings' recognition of Jesus as the Son of God and their deep reverence for him. Through its poetic lyrics and evocative imagery, "La marche des rois" beautifully captures the essence of the Epiphany, celebrating the divine revelation and the universal acknowledgment of Jesus' birth.