Le baiser

Alain Souchon's song "Le baiser" is a poetic and nostalgic reflection on a fleeting, yet impactful, moment of intimacy. The song begins with the singer recounting a bold kiss placed on his lips by a stranger he encountered. This unexpected act of affection becomes the central theme of the song, symbolizing a moment of pure, unplanned connection that stands out against the backdrop of an otherwise mundane life.

The setting of the song is vividly painted with imagery of the North Sea in winter, the beach at Malo Bray-Dunes, and the melancholic yet charming ambiance of Belgium. Souchon describes the scene with a sense of wistfulness, mentioning the grey-green elephants of the sea and the local music that adds a naive and sincere character to the beach. This setting enhances the feeling of the kiss being a rare and precious event, contrasting with the cold and desolate environment.

Throughout the song, Souchon reflects on the impact of this kiss. He describes the stranger's embrace and the way her eyes closed, creating a moment of intimacy and connection that feels almost magical. The kiss leaves a lasting impression on him, symbolized by the metaphor of a decalcomania (a type of transfer) marked with the word "liberty." This suggests that the kiss brought a sense of freedom and cherished memory to his life. Despite the fleeting nature of the encounter, as the woman eventually leaves with her husband, the singer cherishes this moment as a highlight in an otherwise ordinary existence.

The song captures the essence of serendipity, the beauty of unexpected connections, and the lasting impact of brief moments of intimacy. Souchon's lyrical style, rich with imagery and emotion, invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of fleeting yet meaningful encounters.