L'hiver Est Là
Manu Chao Lyrics

The lyrics of Manu Chao's song "L'hiver Est Là" depict a scene of autumn and the changing of seasons. The first two lines, "Les feuilles sont jaunes, les hommes sont verts" (The leaves are yellow, the people are green), symbolize the transition from summer to autumn. The colors represent nature changing and people adapting to the new season. The line "La tente est noire, le cœur est rouge" (The tent is black, the heart is red) suggests a sense of darkness and intensity mixed with passion and love.

The recurring line "Madame rouquine déploie ses ailes" (Madame redhead spreads her wings) possibly refers to a woman embracing her own freedom and independence. The mention of rain throughout the song adds to the melancholic and reflective atmosphere of autumn. The repetition of the phrase "Sous la pluie fine l'automne est là" (Under the fine rain, autumn is here) emphasizes the presence and significance of this season.

The following lines mention different locations, such as "Boulevard Mortier" and "Bar Le Mortier," which could represent specific places the singer has observed during autumn. The inclusion of "Boucherie Ferbère" and "Bar La Lorraine" adds to the notion of everyday life and ordinary routines intertwining with the changing seasons.

The lyrics also make references to falling leaves, both white and dead, being collected with a shovel. This imagery symbolizes the passage of time and the transience of life. The final lines introduce the character of Polichinelle, a traditional puppet in French culture. "Je suis un polichinelle" (I am a puppet) implies that the singer feels like a performer who has to entertain or please others. However, the repetition of "Je suis un polichinelle, tirez sur ma ficelle" (I am a puppet, pull my string) suggests a longing for release or liberation from this role.