Read Full Bio ↴Léo Ferré (1916-1993) was a Monégasque poet, composer, and, musician.
Born on the 24th August 1916 in Monaco, Ferré mixed lyricism with slang; love with anarchy. He took a central place in the world of French song. He was involved in anarchism, and worked with Radio Libertaire, an anarchist free-radio broadcasting in Paris and around France. He died on the 14th July 1993.
Le Fleuve Des Amants
Léo Ferré Lyrics
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La rivière des amants
Endormis dans leur lit blanc
Elle vogue majestueusement
La frégate de leurs yeux
Vers des pays trop heureux
Et moi je les regarde
Mourir de bonheur
Les bras les mains de son amant
Font les rivages merveilleux
Du fleuve doux qui descend
Dans leur lit tout blanc
Il coule mystérieusement
Le grand fleuve des amants
Qui sont morts dans leur lit blanc
Il vogue majestueusement
Le navire de leurs yeux
Vers des pays trop heureux
Et moi... je les regarde...
Je les regarde
Les cheveux de la belle enfant
Ses larmes comme des affluents
Font le grand fleuve des amants
Qui descendent dans leur lit tout blanc
Pour l'éternité
The song "Le Fleuve Des Amants" by Léo Ferré is a poetic exploration of the experience of love and its transcendent power. The lyrics describe a mysterious river that flows through the lives of lovers, symbolizing the depth and intensity of their connection. This river is said to flow mysteriously, indicating that love itself is often inexplicable and beyond rational comprehension.
The lovers are portrayed as being peacefully asleep in their white bed, suggesting purity and innocence. The river described in the lyrics is not a physical one, but rather a metaphorical representation of the lovers' emotions and imagination. It is through this river that their passion and desires navigate, ultimately leading them to a distant and idyllic place of happiness.
The "frigate" mentioned in the lyrics represents the eyes of the lovers, which are described as sailing majestically towards these utopian lands. This image emphasizes the intensity and significance of their gaze, as their eyes guide them towards a state of bliss and fulfillment. The perspective shifts to the singer, who observes this journey of love from afar, witnessing the lovers' overwhelming happiness.
The final lines of the song suggest a longing for eternal love and the desire for this river of love to flow forever. The inclusion of tears and the reference to eternity allude to the timeless nature of love and its ability to bring both joy and sorrow. The profound emotions depicted in the song convey a sense of wonder and fascination with the power of love, as well as a bittersweet recognition of its ephemeral nature. Overall, the lyrics of "Le Fleuve Des Amants" explore the depth and complexity of love, celebrating its transformative qualities and acknowledging its inevitable passing.
Line by Line Meaning
Elle coule mystérieusement
The river of lovers flows in a mysterious and enigmatic way
La rivière des amants
The river of lovers
Endormis dans leur lit blanc
Lovers sleeping peacefully in their white bed
Elle vogue majestueusement
It sails majestically
La frégate de leurs yeux
The frigate of their eyes, representing their passion
Vers des pays trop heureux
Towards incredibly happy lands
Et moi je les regarde
And I watch them
Mourir de bonheur
Dying from happiness
La bouche de la belle enfant
The beautiful child's mouth
Les bras les mains de son amant
The arms and hands of her lover
Font les rivages merveilleux
Create wonderful shores
Du fleuve doux qui descend
Of the gentle river flowing down
Dans leur lit tout blanc
In their completely white bed
Il coule mystérieusement
The great river of lovers flows in a mysterious way
Le grand fleuve des amants
The grand river of lovers
Qui sont morts dans leur lit blanc
Who have died in their white bed
Il vogue majestueusement
It sails majestically
Le navire de leurs yeux
The ship of their eyes
Vers des pays trop heureux
Towards incredibly happy lands
Et moi... je les regarde...
And me... I watch them...
Je les regarde
I watch them
Les cheveux de la belle enfant
The beautiful child's hair
Ses larmes comme des affluents
Her tears like tributaries
Font le grand fleuve des amants
Create the grand river of lovers
Qui descendent dans leur lit tout blanc
Flowing down into their completely white bed
Pour l'éternité
For eternity
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, LES NOUVELLES EDITIONS MERIDIAN
Written by: Léo FERRE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind