Le vélo d'hiver
Calogero Lyrics

The lyrics of Calogero's song "Le vélo d'hiver" depict the story of a winter bicycle, which metaphorically represents a witness to various events and emotions throughout its existence. The first verse establishes the bicycle's familiarity, as it has seen children, men, women, and other bicycles come and go. The oval track and glass roof mentioned in the lyrics paint a picture of a covered velodrome, a venue where the bicycle has witnessed the presence of strong athletes, including boxers and renowned accordionist Yvette Horner.

The chorus repeats the name given to the bicycle, "le vélo d'hiver," highlighting its significance and remembrance. It hints at the playful and joyful nature of the experiences that took place under the glass roof, where the bicycle was located. The lyrics suggest that these memories are vivid and still fresh, as if they happened just yesterday, emphasizing the emotional impact of those beautiful hours spent in the velodrome.

The following verse portrays the social dynamics present in the velodrome. Spectators from different backgrounds were present in the stands, with the wealthy occupying lower seats while the less fortunate were situated higher up. The mention of green grass amidst the bustling environment alludes to the contrast between the urban setting and a small piece of nature. The lyrics express how the whole city of Paris resonated with excitement and enthusiasm inside the bicycle's frame, emphasizing the collective unity and energy experienced during those times.

The subsequent verse introduces a turning point in the narrative, as it mentions the arrival of uniforms and pistols, indicating the onset of war. This disrupts the joyful atmosphere previously experienced in the velodrome, with the military presence shifting the mood from celebration to fear and tension. The winter bicycle, still a witness to these events, sees children continuing to play in puddles of water despite the circumstances. The lyrics suggest that even in times of darkness, there is still a glimmer of resilience and joy in humanity.

The final verse metaphorically links the full month of July, typically associated with warmth and summer, to the confinement of people under the bicycle's glass roof. The imagery in this verse reflects the forced containment and hardship endured by families during the war. The lyrics solemnly recall the deportation of entire families to hellish places, highlighting the tragedy and suffering that took place during that time.

In summary, Calogero's "Le vélo d'hiver" uses the symbol of a winter bicycle to recount the experiences and emotions witnessed within a velodrome. It starts with joyful memories of strong athletes and a united community, shifts to the arrival of war and the resilience of children, and concludes with the dark realization of families being deported to unimaginable horrors. The lyrics serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities and fragility of human existence, as seen through the lens of this unlikely witness, the winter bicycle.