L'amour à la machine

Alain Souchon's song 'L'amour à la machine' delves into the complexities of love and the inevitable fading of its initial vibrancy. The lyrics use the metaphor of washing clothes to explore whether the original colors of love can be restored. Souchon questions if the purity and intensity of early feelings can be revived, much like trying to remove stains and restore the original brightness of fabric. This metaphorical washing machine becomes a symbol of the effort to reclaim lost emotions and the desire to return to a time when love felt pure and unblemished.

The song poignantly describes the transformation of love over time. Souchon references the 'rose initial' of a lover's cheek and the 'bleu de nos baisers du début,' highlighting the vividness of early romance. However, he acknowledges that these colors have faded, much like how the vibrancy of love can diminish under the pressures of life. The mention of Matisse and the 'bleu difficile' and 'caresses rouges fragiles' further emphasizes the delicate and transient nature of love, likening it to a work of art that is susceptible to the ravages of time.

Souchon also touches on the broader human experience, referencing the 'rouge pour faire tomber la misère' and 'noires, les mains dans les boucles blondes.' These lines suggest a longing for a universal restoration of innocence and joy, not just in personal relationships but across humanity. The repeated call to 'A la machine!!' serves as a rallying cry for this collective effort to cleanse and renew. Through this evocative imagery, Souchon captures the universal desire to hold onto the beauty of love and the hope that it can be restored, even after it has faded.