Comment ça va

Sam Gooris' song 'Comment ça va' is a nostalgic reflection on a fleeting romance experienced in Paris. The title, which translates to 'How are you?' in English, sets the tone for a story filled with longing and bittersweet memories. The repetitive chorus, 'Comment ça va, Comme ci, comme ci, comme ci, comme ça,' suggests a sense of ambivalence and uncertainty, capturing the essence of a love that was never fully understood or realized. The phrase 'Tu ne comprends rien à l'amour' (You don't understand anything about love) further emphasizes the confusion and complexity of the emotions involved.

The narrative unfolds with the protagonist recalling a magical evening by the Seine, where he met a captivating girl in a discotheque. Her smile and the way she looked at him sparked an immediate connection, prompting him to muster his best French to speak to her. This moment of courage and the subsequent interaction mark the beginning of their brief but intense relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of youthful romance and the excitement of new love, set against the romantic backdrop of Paris.

As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on the impact this girl had on him. He dreams of their time together and is haunted by the memory of their separation. The line 'We were always together, together with each other, but this could not last long: now I am here and she is there' encapsulates the heartache of their parting. Despite the distance and the passage of time, he holds onto the hope of reuniting with her, reminiscing about the words that started it all. 'Comment ça va' is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of love and the enduring power of cherished memories.