Quatre Hivers
Étienne Daho Lyrics

These lyrics from Étienne Daho's song "Quatre Hivers" delve into the feelings of ennui, nostalgia, and longing for a brighter future. The repetition of "Déjà quatre hivers à ne savoir que faire" reflects a sense of repetition and monotony that the singer has experienced over the course of four winters. This line can be interpreted as the singer feeling stuck or directionless in their life, unsure of what to do next. The mention of "compter les vagues de la mer" and "nuits à ne savoir qu'en faire" suggests a contemplative state where the singer is counting waves and not knowing what to do with their nights, highlighting a sense of aimlessness and introspection.

The lyrics also touch upon the presence of bitter memories and past experiences that linger in the singer's mind. The repetition of "Combien de souvenirs amers" emphasizes the weight of these memories, hinting at unresolved emotions and regrets that haunt the singer. The use of the word "amers" evokes a sense of bitterness or sadness associated with these memories, suggesting that they have left a lasting impact on the singer's psyche. This reflects a theme of introspection and grappling with one's past, trying to come to terms with the pain and disappointment of these bitter memories.

As the lyrics progress, there is a yearning for a brighter future and a longing to break free from the cycle of repetition and nostalgia. The questions posed in the lines "Combien d'années, combien d'années avant de voir ta lumière" and "Combien de jours, les jours sont comme des années lumière" convey a sense of impatience and longing for change. The mention of "voir ta lumière" suggests a desire for illumination or clarity, symbolizing a hope for a brighter, more fulfilling future. These questions reflect a sense of anticipation and yearning for a transformative experience that will lead the singer out of their current emotional and mental state.

In conclusion, the lyrics of "Quatre Hivers" by Étienne Daho encapsulate themes of ennui, introspection, nostalgia, and longing for a brighter future. The repetitive nature of the verses conveys a sense of monotony and stagnation in the singer's life, while the mention of bitter memories highlights the weight of past experiences on the singer's psyche. The questions posed in the later part of the lyrics express a yearning for change and for a brighter, more hopeful future. Ultimately, the song conveys a complex mix of emotions and a deep sense of introspection as the singer reflects on their past, present, and hopes for the future.