Individually, Ewan has sung on other film soundtracks before and since, while Alessandro is an Italian opera singer known for blending pop and opera in his performances, including those with Sarah Brightman.
Complainte de la Butte
Alessandro Safina; Ewan McGregor Lyrics
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Pose un diadème
Sur tes cheveux roux
La lune trop rousse
De gloire éclabousse
Ton jupon plein trous
La lune trop pâle
Caresse l'opale
Princesse de la rue
Soit la bienvenue
Dans mon coeur brisé
The stairways up to la butte
Could make the wretched sigh
While windmill wings of the Moulin
Shelter you and I
Ma petite mandigotte
Je sens ta menotte
Qui cherche ma main
Je sens ta poitrine
Et ta taille fine
J'oublie mon chagrin
Je sens sur tes lèvres
Une odeur de fièvre
De gosse mal nourrie
Et sous ta caresse
Je sens une ivresse
Qui m'anéantit
The stairways up to la butte
Could make the wretched sigh
While windmill wings of the Moulin
Shelter you and I
Mais voilà qu'elle trotte
La lune qu'il flotte
La princesse aussi
La la la la la
La la la la la
Mon rêve évanoui
Les escaliers de la butte
Sont durs aux miséreux
Les ailes du moulin
Protègent les amoureux
In these lyrics, Ewan McGregor's song "Complainte de la Butte" tells a story of a broken-hearted person who finds solace in the presence of a woman. The lyrics are poetic and describe various elements of the night and the singer's emotions.
The first verse begins with the moon described as "too pale" and "too white," juxtaposing its brightness against the woman's red hair. The moon's glow reflects on her worn-out dress while its pale light caresses her tired eyes. She is portrayed as a street princess with a sense of resignation, and the singer welcomes her into his broken heart.
The second verse introduces the setting of "la butte," which refers to a hill in Montmartre, Paris. The stairways leading up to the hill are described as making the wretched sigh, perhaps implying the difficulties faced by those less fortunate. However, within this challenging environment, the windmill wings of the Moulin Rouge provide shelter and comfort for the singer and the woman he is with.
The third verse brings a more intimate moment between the singer and the woman. He refers to her as "my little wanderer" and feels her small hand seeking his. He becomes aware of her body, her slender waist and feels comforted by her presence, momentarily forgetting his sorrow. There's a sense of hardship and neglect as he mentions the smell of fever and malnutrition, indicating the difficult life she leads. Under her touch, he experiences a sensation of intoxication that overwhelms him.
The fourth verse brings a sudden shift in tone. The moon and the princess mentioned earlier are now trotting away, symbolizing the fleeting nature of the singer's dream or moment of happiness. The repetition of "la la la" adds a touch of whimsy to the narrative. The lyrics end with a contrast between the tough stairs of la butte, being harsh to the miserable ones, and the windmill wings of the Moulin protecting the lovers. This juxtaposition highlights the vulnerability and fragility of love and happiness in the face of adversity.
Overall, "Complainte de la Butte" is a song that captures fleeting moments of connection and escape from hardship, finding solace in the night, and the protective embrace of the Moulin Rouge.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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