Que reste-t-il de nos amours ?
Chiara Civello Lyrics

The lyrics of Chiara Civello's song "Que reste-t-il de nos amours?" explore the themes of nostalgia, love, and the inevitable passage of time. In the opening lines, the singer reflects on what remains of her relationship with her partner. The repeated questioning, "Che cosa resta amore mio?" (What remains, my love?), serves as a poignant inquiry into the essence of their love. This search stems from a profound longing for connection and the inevitability of change, where memories of youth and passion come to the forefront, encapsulated in the metaphor of a photograph—frozen in time but subject to the fading effects of memory.

In the next section, the lyrics highlight specific fragments of the past, such as "biglietti dolci e infinito" (sweet notes and infinity), and "un bel ricordo impallidito" (a beautiful memory that has faded). These phrases evoke a sense of bittersweet reminiscence, suggesting that while the relationship once flourished with vibrant moments, life has since dulled those experiences. The mention of “aprile,” a month synonymous with renewal and beauty, serves as a contrast to the singer's present longing for something that feels lost. The language implies a sense of yearning—an awareness that while the memories are cherished, they are also tinged with loss, as if time has rendered them nostalgic yet out of reach.

Furthermore, imagery plays a significant role as the lyrics delve into the elements of past happiness, such as "felicita capelli al vento" (happiness, hair in the wind) and "baci e sogni in movimento" (kisses and moving dreams). These images conjure a vivacious spirit that characterizes youthful love, filled with moments of spontaneity and passion. However, the continuation of the question—"Che cosa resta amore mio dimmelo tu" (What remains, my love, tell me)—exposes the underlying anxiety about the ephemeral nature of happiness, prompting the partner to provide clarity on their current state. This dynamic between past joy and present uncertainty creates a poignant tension throughout the song, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love and memory.

Ultimately, the lyrics conclude with reflections on physical locations and memories that have shaped the singer's identity, such as "un petit village, un vieux clocher" (a small village, an old steeple) and "dans un nuage le cher visage de mon passé" (in a cloud, the dear face of my past). These closing lines emphasize the interplay between personal history and collective experience, suggesting that while the singer's love story may fade, the remnants can still evoke profound emotional landscapes, both in memory and in the structures of the past. Through this journey, Civello effectively captures a universal sentiment—how love, even when it changes or diminishes, leaves an indelible mark upon our lives, resonating with everyone who has loved and lost.