Sous le soleil exactement
Jean-Claude Brialy & Anna Karina Lyrics

The lyrics of "Sous le soleil exactement" by Jean-Claude Brialy & Anna Karina evoke a sense of mystery and nostalgia as they explore various locations and experiences under the sun. The repetition of the phrase "Sous le soleil exactement" (under the sun exactly) emphasizes the specificity and importance of the setting in each verse.

In the first verse, the lyrics mention being at a precise point under the tropic, either in the Capricorn or the Cancer. The singer confesses to having forgotten which one it was, but what is clear is that they were in a specific location under the sun. The repetition of "sous le soleil" underscores the connection between the sun and this particular place, emphasizing its significance.

The second verse continues the theme of forgotten locations. Mentioning a country and a district by the sea, the singer conveys their uncertainty about the exact place they were. The repetition of "pas à côté, pas n'importe où" (not next to, not just anywhere) suggests the importance of being in the right place, under the sun exactly. This uncertainty contributes to the dreamlike quality of the song.

The third verse takes the listener on a journey through different possibilities. The mention of the New Mexico, the Cape Horn, and the Cape Verde archipelago represents various locations that the singer ponders about. Once again, the emphasis is on being under the sun exactly, suggesting the significance of the precise location and the memories associated with it.

The final verse introduces a more provocative and introspective element. The lyrics suggest that the singer's memories of being under the sun might be just an erotic dream that they have with their eyes open. Yet, there is a hint of doubt, as the singer questions if this dream could actually be real. The repetition of "pas à côté, pas n'importe où" underscores the importance of being precisely under the sun, perhaps implying a desire for authenticity and a longing for real experiences.

Overall, the lyrics of "Sous le soleil exactement" explore the significance of specific locations under the sun, evoking a sense of longing, nostalgia, and uncertainty. The repetition of key phrases emphasizes the importance of being in the right place, precisely under the sun exactly. Through its dreamlike quality and introspective tone, the song provokes contemplation on the fleeting nature of memories and the power of our imaginations.