Désolée

Anne Vanderlove's song 'Désolée' is a poignant exploration of personal boundaries and the need for solitude. The repeated refrain, 'Désolée, ma porte est refermée,' which translates to 'Sorry, my door is closed,' sets the tone for the entire piece. Vanderlove expresses a deep sense of regret and sorrow for having to shut herself off from others, but it is clear that this act is necessary for her own emotional well-being. The imagery of a 'secret garden' that has been trampled upon symbolizes her inner world, which has been invaded and damaged, leading her to retreat and seek solace in silence.

Throughout the song, Vanderlove contrasts her love for 'discreet perfumes' and 'the friendship of a few words written on the back of a picture' with the overwhelming nature of more intrusive interactions. This juxtaposition highlights her preference for subtle, meaningful connections over superficial or overly demanding relationships. She acknowledges that she enjoys sharing 'very sweet moments' but avoids situations where 'everything is said,' indicating a desire to maintain a certain level of privacy and mystery in her interactions.

The final verse underscores the difficulty of making others understand her need for solitude. Vanderlove's 'garden of memories' is a personal space where her friends cannot simply be 'picked' or accessed at will. Only her own steps can lead her there, emphasizing the deeply personal and selective nature of her relationships. The song is a beautiful, melancholic reflection on the balance between connection and solitude, and the importance of protecting one's inner world from being overwhelmed by external demands.