La Complainte de La Butte

Zaz's rendition of 'La Complainte de La Butte' is a poignant and evocative ballad that captures the essence of a brief, yet deeply impactful, romantic encounter. Set against the backdrop of Montmartre, a historic and bohemian district in Paris, the song tells the story of a poet and an unknown woman who share a fleeting moment of love. The poet, who never sees the woman again, composes this song in the hope that she might hear it one day and remember their brief connection. This narrative is steeped in a sense of longing and melancholy, as the poet clings to the memory of their encounter, hoping it might somehow reach her ears.

The lyrics are rich with vivid imagery and metaphors, particularly those involving the moon. The moon is described in various ways—'trop blême' (too pale), 'trop rousse' (too red), and 'trop pâle' (too pale)—each description adding layers to the emotional landscape of the song. The moonlight is portrayed as both a diadem and a source of glory, illuminating the woman's red hair and tattered skirt, thus highlighting her beauty and vulnerability. This celestial imagery serves to elevate the woman's status to that of a 'princesse de la rue' (princess of the street), a term that underscores her grace despite her humble circumstances.

The song also delves into the harsh realities of life in Montmartre, particularly for the impoverished. The 'escaliers de la butte' (the stairs of the hill) are described as being 'durs aux miséreux' (hard on the poor), yet the 'ailes des moulins' (wings of the windmills) offer protection to lovers. This juxtaposition of hardship and romantic idealism paints a complex picture of the setting, where love and suffering coexist. The poet's interaction with the woman, whom he refers to as 'petite mandigote' (little beggar girl), is filled with tender moments that momentarily alleviate his sorrow. However, as the song concludes, the moon and the 'princesse' both disappear, leaving the poet to mourn his vanished dream under a moonless sky.