Le premier bonheur du jour
Kate St. John Lyrics

In "Le premier bonheur du jour," Kate St. John creates a poignant reflection on the duality of happiness and sorrow experienced in daily life. The opening verse introduces the first happiness of the day, signified by a “ruban de soleil” or “ribbon of sunlight,” that brings warmth and intimacy. This imagery evokes the gentle beginnings of the morning, where the sunlight intertwines with the personal connection between the singer and their loved one. The metaphor of the sunlight wrapping around the hand and caressing the shoulder suggests an intimate bond, marks a serene union and brings comfort, emphasizing that the day begins with warmth, affection, and a sense of calm presence that often accompanies the dawn.

As the song progresses, St. John paints an idyllic morning scene with images of nature, including the sea, a beach that awaits, and the song of a bird perched in a fig tree. This paints a vivid portrait of tranquility and anticipation, reminiscent of the delicate beauty found in everyday moments. The "souffle de la mer" or "breath of the sea" conveys a refreshing natural energy, evoking visions of endless horizons and the soothing rhythms of waves. This connection to nature serves not only to enhance the joy of the morning but to illustrate a deeper appreciation for life's simple pleasures that often go unnoticed. These lines establish a theme of mindfulness—being present in the moment and recognizing the beauty that surrounds us as we begin each day.

The introduction of sadness in the following verses represents the inevitable counterpoint to happiness. The lyrics describe the “premier chagrin,” or “first sorrow,” which illustrates a sudden disconnection—symbolized by the closing door and departing car—that signals an end to the comfort found in closeness. The imagery of silence that descends after the departure reflects the heaviness of absence and loss. This brings about a contemplative tone, highlighting the fragility of happiness, where joyous moments can be disrupted by change and separation. St. John captures this emotional shift beautifully, portraying the recognition that with love comes the potential for sorrow, creating a rich tapestry of human experience marked by both light and shadow.

Ultimately, the song returns to a note of hope and resilience with the lines about the inevitable return of the loved one, allowing the singer’s life to “reprendre son cours,” or resume its flow. Through this reconciliation, St. John transmits a message of enduring love and the cyclical nature of existence. The final image of “la lampe qui s'éteint,” or “the lamp that goes out,” signifies the quiet conclusion of the day and perhaps a metaphorical end to one chapter, but it does not herald despair. Instead, it suggests that every end brings a new beginning, reinforcing that joy will return, if only in another form at another time. Through this song, St. John encapsulates the intertwining experiences of love, loss, and the everyday beauties woven within them, echoing the sentiment that life is a continuous dance between happiness and sorrow.