Nocturne
Étienne Daho Lyrics

In Étienne Daho's song "Nocturne," the lyrics create a dreamlike and atmospheric world filled with vivid imagery and emotions. The song reflects on a journey through an enigmatic and perhaps troubled landscape, where the singer feels a sense of urgency and a need for escape. The opening lines set the stage with "Sous ces étoiles envenimées / Archangéliques et dérangées" (Under these venomous and disturbed stars), describing a celestial space that is both enchanting and unsettling.

As the song progresses, it explores themes of passion, desire, and connection. It mentions "Échanges vifs dans les cafés" (Lively exchanges in the cafes), hinting at moments of intense conversation and encounters that take place in intimate spaces. The mention of sweat on the skin and the tears on the guitar string evoke a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion.

The chorus introduces the image of a "blizzard endimanché" (Sunday-dressed blizzard) and an "avalanche intimidée" (intimidated avalanche), painting a picture of a powerful natural force restrained by external circumstances. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the internal struggles and conflicts faced by the singer. The lyrics also mention a "baptême des airs" (baptism of the air), suggesting a sense of liberation and renewal through taking flight and embracing new experiences.

Towards the end of the song, there is a shift in tone, as the lyrics speak of "ton miel imite le printemps" (your honey imitates spring) and the "gratte-ciel des jours heureux" (skyscrapers of happy days). This transition signifies a glimmer of hope and the possibility of a brighter future. It concludes with the repetition of the phrase "Nous allons voyager légers" (We will travel light), emphasizing the desire for freedom, exploration, and an unburdened existence.

Overall, "Nocturne" offers a poetic and introspective journey through a landscape of complex emotions, seeking solace and transcendence through connection and the pursuit of liberation.