Du Courage
Herbert Léonard Lyrics

The lyrics of Herbert Léonard's song "Du Courage" convey a heartfelt plea for courage and strength in the face of heartbreak and loss. The repetition of "Du courage" at the beginning of each stanza emphasizes the importance of finding the inner strength to move forward despite the pain of forgetting someone's face and tearing away the memories of happier times captured in a book of images. The singer urges themselves, and perhaps the listener, to have the strength to not let themselves drown in sorrow and return to a state of devastation reminiscent of their earliest days of innocence and happiness.

The lyrics also reflect on the idea of loneliness and the struggle to cope with the aftermath of a relationship that has ended. The singer acknowledges the difficulty of living in solitude and facing the desolation of a future that once seemed promising and full of joy. The mention of "ne pas faire naufrage" (not sinking) suggests a fear of succumbing to despair and losing oneself in the emotional turmoil of the breakup. The imagery of returning alone to the wreckage of what was once a harmonious connection underscores the devastation of losing love and the need for courage to confront this painful reality.

The lyrics further express the raw emotions of loss and the profound impact it has had on the singer's life. The repetition of "Je n'avais que toi, Je n'ai plus rien" (I only had you, I have nothing left) conveys a sense of emptiness and despair that comes with losing a significant other. The singer laments that they are left with nothing after losing the person who meant everything to them, highlighting the profound void that accompanies the end of a meaningful relationship. The desperation in the repetition of these lines underscores the magnitude of the loss and the longing for the love that has now been taken away.

In the final stanza, the singer reflects on the harsh reality that they must muster the courage to continue living despite the pain and emptiness they feel. The repetition of "Du courage, Du courage, Pour vivre ainsi, Pour vivre aussi loin" (Courage, Courage, To live like this, To live so far) depicts a struggle to find meaning and purpose in a life that has been irrevocably altered by heartache. The acknowledgment that the end of the relationship signifies "la fin" (the end) underscores a profound sense of finality and acceptance of the loss. Despite the overwhelming feelings of grief and abandonment, the singer implores themselves to find the strength to carry on and navigate the difficult path ahead, knowing that they must summon the courage to continue living in the wake of such profound loss.