Born in Paris but traveled widely as a child. With her father transferring first to Mexico and later around the world, she grew in touch with Bossa Nova and other local flavors of music.Returned to France and started Piano lessons at age 10 and Jazz school at age 12. Started her professional career in 1987 by sending a demo tape to Jazz greats Johnny Griffin and Ben Sidran, and was subsequently given an opportunity to record several songs with them.
In 1988 released her first single, "Absolument Jazz" with CBS France. Signed a contract with Sony Music Entertainment Japan in 1990, and released many singles and albums. From 2003 to 2005 switched to the Epic Records Japan label, and from 2005 to 2008 to Toshiba EMI. Returned to Sony Music Entertainment in 2008.
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Clémentine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
All around a pug-nosed dream
The music started and was I the perplexed one
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
As we floated over the floor
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
And perhaps a few things more
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
The opening lines of Clémentine’s “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” describe a country dance in a garden. The singer accidentally collides with someone and hears, “Oh, beg your pardon,” turning to see “polka dots and moonbeams, all around a pug-nosed dream.” The collision is enough to bewilder the singer and temporarily transport them to a world in which an ordinary party becomes an ethereal experience.
As the music starts, the singer asks the pug-nosed dream to dance, holding the figure in their “frightened arms,” all while the polka dots and moonbeams “sparkled” around them. The dance is full of wonder, with the singer in awe of the pug-nosed dream’s presence, which appears to be a sight of purity and beauty.
The final verse takes place after time has passed, and the singer finds themselves in a “cottage built of lilacs and laughter” with the pug-nosed dream. Though the song’s protagonist has grown to understand the meaning of “ever after,” they still can’t help but recall the magic of the initial meeting, concluding the song with the line “And I’ll always see polka dots and moonbeams when I kiss the pug-nosed dream.”
Line by Line Meaning
A country dance was being held in a garden
There was a social gathering taking place in an outdoor green space where community members were engaging in a traditional dance form.
I felt a bump and heard an "Oh, beg your pardon"
I experienced a physical collision with someone and heard them apologize for the mishap.
Suddenly I saw polka dots and moonbeams
In a moment of enchantment, I found myself captivated by the sight of bright, dotted patterns and the glow of moonlight.
All around a pug-nosed dream
These dazzling images surrounded a person I found attractive who had a distinctive nose shape.
The music started and was I the perplexed one
When the band began to play, I felt anxious and unsure of what to do next.
I held my breath and said "May I have the next one?"
Summoning courage, I asked my crush if they wanted to dance with me.
In my frightened arms, polka dots and moonbeams
As we embraced during the dance, I couldn't help but notice the striking images that surrounded my love interest.
Sparkled on a pug-nosed dream
These patterns shimmered and highlighted the unique attributes of this person that had captured my attention and imagination.
There were questions in the eyes of other dancers
As we danced, I could see that other people were curious about our connection and what it meant.
As we floated over the floor
Moving gracefully together, we seemed to defy gravity and enjoy an effortless glide across the dance floor.
There were questions but my heart knew all the answers
Despite the curiosity and skepticism of others, I felt certain of my deep attraction and connection to this person.
And perhaps a few things more
Beyond what others could see or perceive, I sensed that there was something special and intangible between us.
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter
Reflecting back on this moment from a cozy home filled with happy memories, I realize how meaningful this encounter was in my life.
I know the meaning of the words "Ever after"
Experiencing a happy ending with this person, I feel like I understand the promise and potential of true love and lifelong companionship.
And I'll always see polka dots and moonbeams
Even after time has passed and we've grown older, I know that the vivid and romantic imagery of that dance will remain with me forever.
When I kiss the pug-nosed dream
When I'm close to that special someone, I'm reminded of the wondrous and fantastical moment when we first laid eyes on each other.
Contributed by Christopher A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.