Background
Released in November 2007, the song Nantes by Beirut is a chamber pop single that has captured the hearts of many with its haunting melodies and reflective lyrics. The track is a part of Beirut's album "The Flying Club Cup," which further showcases the band's eclectic blend of world music influences and indie-rock aesthetics.
The song's poignant lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist grappling with the passage of time and the distance from a loved one. It's a meditation on love's fragility and the fear that accompanies the gamble of spending time away from someone important.
Nantes also finds a place in cinematic history, being featured in the film Bombay Beach, which adds another layer to the song's rich narrative tapestry.
Review
The song has been described as perfect night-time music, encapsulating a sense of serene joy that fills the listener with an instant good mood. Its timeless quality seems to resonate with listeners even years after its release, speaking to the song's enduring appeal and the deep connection it forges with its audience.
Links and References
For those looking to explore the depth of Nantes and its place within Beirut's discography, here are a few resources:
A detailed exploration of the song's story and meaning can be found at Call Me Fred Radio.
AllMusic provides track information and allows you to listen to it streaming here.
For insights into the album that houses Nantes, The Flying Club Cup, Far Out Magazine offers a review which can be read at this link.
This song's intricate blend of sorrowful lyrics and uplifting melodies creates a complex emotional experience that is both reflective and inspiring—a true testament to Beirut's musical prowess.
Nantes
Beirut Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Since I've seen you smile
And I'll gamble away my fright
And I'll gamble away my time
And in a year, a year or so
This will slip into the sea
Well it's been a long time, long time now
Since I've seen you smile
Nobody raise your voices
Just another night in Nantes
Nobody raise your voices
Just another night in Nantes
Oh non je t'en prie, nous ne sommes pas chez nous
Oh je t'assure que ce n'est pas grave
Non laisse moi
Mais qu'est-ce que tu as aujourd'hui?
Je sais que les hommes vous dégoûtent, vous ne pensez qu'à ça
Well it's been a long time, long time now
Since I've seen you smile
And I'll gamble away my fright
And I'll gamble away my time
And in a year, a year or so
This will slip into the sea
Well it's been a long time, long time now
Since I've seen you smile
The song "Nantes" by Beirut is a melancholy and nostalgic track about missing someone's smile. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, expressing the longing for connection and happiness: "Well it's been a long time, long time now since I've seen you smile." The singer is willing to take risks and gamble away his fears and time to rediscover that joy he remembers.
The following lines express that all things eventually pass, and in a year or so, the memories will fade away: "And in a year, a year or so, this will slip into the sea." The repetition of the opening lines serves as a reminder of what the singer wants to rediscover: that lost moment of happiness.
The lyrics then jump to a different scene, with a conversation happening. It's unclear who the singer is or what they're discussing, but they're in Nantes, France, and someone in the group is upset with men: "Je sais que les hommes vous dégoûtent, vous ne pensez qu'à ça" (I know that men disgust you, you only think about that). The scene is a reminder that life goes on and different things happen, but the longing for missing happiness remains.
Overall, the song has a lonely feeling, expressing the sadness of isolation, and the hope that the moments of happiness can be rediscovered.
Line by Line Meaning
Well it's been a long time, long time now
Since I've seen you smile
And I'll gamble away my fright
And I'll gamble away my time
And in a year, a year or so
This will slip into the sea
Well it's been a long time, long time now
Since I've seen you smile
It has been a while since he last saw his loved one smile and he is willing to risk everything, including his fear and time, just to be with her. He knows that things might not work out, but he hopes they will last a year or so before they disappear like everything else in life. He still misses her smile and longs to see it again.
Nobody raise your voices
Just another night in Nantes
Nobody raise your voices
Just another night in Nantes
The person is probably trying to silence the rest of the people around him because he is in a place called Nantes where he is trying to escape from his problems, even just for one more night. He doesn't want anyone to ruin it and just wants to enjoy the moment.
Oh non je t'en prie, nous ne sommes pas chez nous
Oh je t'assure que ce n'est pas grave
Non laisse moi
Mais qu'est-ce que tu as aujourd'hui?
Je sais que les hommes vous dégoûtent, vous ne pensez qu'à ça
This part seems to be a conversation between two people. The first one is probably asking the second one to calm down or behave properly because they are not in their own place. The second person seems to be going through something and is feeling disgusted by men in general. The first person wants to help but doesn't know how.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Zach Condon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind