Léo Ferré (1916-1993) was a Monégasque poet, composer, and, musician.
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.

Les hiboux
Léo Ferré Lyrics

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Sous les ifs noirs qui les abritent,
Les hiboux se tiennent rangés,
Ainsi que des dieux étrangers,
Dardant leur oeil rouge ils méditent

Sans remuer ils se tiendront
Jusqu'à l'heure mélancolique
Où, poussant le soleil oblique,

Les ténèbres s'établiront.

Leur attitude au sage enseigne
Qu'il faut en ce monde qu'il craigne
Le tumulte et le mouvement ;

L'homme ivre d'une ombre qui passe

Porte toujours le châtiment
D'avoir voulu changer de place.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Leo Ferre's song "Les hiboux" reflect on the wisdom and stoicism of the owls that are depicted as divine creatures. The owls are observed by the singer, nestled under dark yew trees, and they remain motionless while focusing intently, deep in thought, with their piercing red eyes. The owls adopt a meditative stance, waiting for the melancholic hour, when the oblique sunbeams fade and darkness sets in.

The owls' stillness and calmness are portrayed as a powerful lesson for human beings. The singer suggests that their stance teaches wisdom that in this world, people should fear commotion and agitation. The lyrics also caution against being frivolous and chasing after ephemeral pleasures and desires. Instead, humans should seek knowledge, reflect on life's mysteries, and appreciate the present moment. The final verse warns that those who are intoxicated by a passing shadow that allures them with a false promise of change, bear the punishment of their rash and foolish choices.

Through the imagery and symbolism of the owls, Leo Ferre presents profound observations about the human condition, the significance of knowledge, and the value of living mindfully. The song's theme of finding solace and insights in nature, retracing aspects of existence that often go unnoticed, aligns with the romantic movement's ideals.

Line by Line Meaning

Sous les ifs noirs qui les abritent,
Under the black yew trees that shelter them,

Les hiboux se tiennent rangés,
The owls stand in a row,

Ainsi que des dieux étrangers,
Just like strange gods,

Dardant leur oeil rouge ils méditent
Gleaming their red eyes they ponder

Sans remuer ils se tiendront
Without moving they will remain

Jusqu'à l'heure mélancolique
Until the melancholic hour

Où, poussant le soleil oblique,
Where, pushing the oblique sun,

Les ténèbres s'établiront.
The darkness will settle.

Leur attitude au sage enseigne
Their attitude teaches the wise

Qu'il faut en ce monde qu'il craigne
That in this world, he must fear

Le tumulte et le mouvement ;
The commotion and movement;