Complainte de La Butte

Rufus Wainwright's rendition of "Complainte de La Butte" is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that captures the essence of Montmartre, a historic district in Paris known for its artistic heritage and bohemian lifestyle. The song, originally written by Jean Renoir and Georges Van Parys for the 1954 film "French Cancan," is a lament that intertwines themes of love, poverty, and the fleeting nature of dreams. Wainwright's emotive voice adds a layer of depth to the already poignant lyrics, making it a timeless piece that resonates with listeners across generations.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a moonlit night in Montmartre, where the pale moonlight casts a diadem on the red-haired protagonist, a street princess. The imagery of the moonlight, described as both too pale and too red, symbolizes the duality of beauty and sorrow that permeates the song. The stairways up to La Butte, a reference to the steep hills of Montmartre, are described as a challenging path for the wretched, yet they also lead to a place of shelter and love under the wings of the iconic Moulin Rouge windmill.

The song's narrative follows the protagonist's intimate moments with a young, impoverished girl. The tender descriptions of her seeking his hand, her frail body, and the feverish scent of her lips evoke a sense of vulnerability and desperation. Despite their hardships, there is a fleeting moment of bliss and intoxication in their embrace, only to be shattered as the dream fades away. The recurring theme of the moon and the windmill wings serves as a metaphor for the transient nature of happiness and the protective yet elusive shelter of love in a world filled with suffering.

"Complainte de La Butte" is a melancholic ode to the human condition, capturing the beauty and pain of love amidst the struggles of life. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Montmartre and its ability to inspire art that speaks to the soul.