Tour de Francia
Vetusta Morla
A Journey Through Time and Leisure: Vetusta Morla's 'Tour de Francia'
Vetusta Morla's 'Tour de Francia' is a poetic exploration of time, leisure, and the cyclical nature of life. The song opens with the imagery of burying clocks on the beach, symbolizing a rejection of the constraints of time and a desire to live in the moment. This act of defiance against the relentless march of time sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the characters embark on a metaphorical journey around an island on a cyclist's steed, free from the pressures of competition and victory.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a carefree summer, filled with nostalgic elements like old books, trading cards, and lazy afternoons. The mention of the Tourmalet, a famous mountain pass in the Tour de France, adds a layer of metaphor, suggesting that life is a challenging yet rewarding journey. The characters are described as being 'lost in the peloton' and 'saved against the clock,' evoking the sense of being swept up in the flow of life but finding moments of salvation and clarity amidst the chaos.
As the song progresses, the transition from August to September signifies the end of summer and the return to reality. The imagery of a short man leaving his jersey in the sand and the fleet of jellyfish sprinting to the finish line captures the fleeting nature of these moments of freedom and joy. Ultimately, 'Tour de Francia' is a celebration of the simple pleasures of life and a reminder to cherish the present, even as time marches on.