Baudelaire

Serge Gainsbourg's song 'Baudelaire' is a lyrical homage to the French poet Charles Baudelaire, known for his exploration of beauty, decadence, and the complexities of human emotions. The song's lyrics are rich with vivid imagery and metaphors, painting a picture of a languid, almost ethereal beauty. Gainsbourg's words evoke a sense of admiration and fascination with the subject's physical form and presence, likening her to a shimmering fabric and a ship awakening to the morning wind. This imagery suggests a deep, almost spiritual connection between the observer and the observed, where the physical beauty transcends into a dreamlike state of reverie.

The song continues to explore the enigmatic nature of the subject through contrasting metaphors. Her eyes are described as cold jewels where gold and iron mix, indicating a blend of allure and impenetrability. This duality is further emphasized by comparing her to a dancing serpent, a symbol of both grace and danger. The subject's indolence, or laziness, is portrayed not as a flaw but as an intrinsic part of her charm, adding to her mysterious and captivating aura. Gainsbourg's use of natural elements like the sea, wind, and glaciers enhances the timeless and universal appeal of the subject's beauty.

In the final verses, Gainsbourg delves into the intoxicating effect the subject has on him. The comparison of her mouth to a rising tide and her essence to a Bohemian wine suggests a sense of overwhelming, almost intoxicating allure. The imagery of a 'liquid sky' scattering stars in his heart encapsulates the profound emotional impact she has on him. Through 'Baudelaire,' Gainsbourg masterfully captures the essence of beauty and indolence, blending admiration with a sense of unattainable mystery, much like the works of the poet he pays tribute to.