The Paris Match

The Style Council's song 'The Paris Match' paints a vivid picture of a person wandering through the streets of Paris, consumed by thoughts of a lost love. The lyrics convey a sense of aimlessness and melancholy, as the protagonist spends their days and nights in a futile search for solace. The empty hours and skies reflect the emptiness they feel inside, while the cafes and bars they frequent symbolize their attempts to find distraction and perhaps a connection to the past love that haunts them.

The song's narrative is steeped in a sense of longing and regret. The protagonist's mind is clouded by memories of the past, making it difficult for them to move on. The advice to 'try to forget' and 'have no regrets' is easier said than done, as the protagonist is caught in a cycle of reminiscing and yearning. The boulevard floor they tread becomes a metaphor for their emotional journey, one that is filled with uncertainty and a desperate hope to see their lost love once more.

Despite the sadness, there is a certain acceptance of these feelings. The protagonist acknowledges that they are 'only sad in a natural way' and even finds a strange enjoyment in this melancholy. The gift of desire from their lost love is likened to a match that started a fire, suggesting that the intensity of their emotions, though painful, is also a testament to the depth of their connection. The restless nights and the feeling of confinement further emphasize the protagonist's struggle to find peace, as they continue to be haunted by the memories of a love that once was.