Les papillons noirs
Michèle Arnaud Lyrics

The song "Les papillons noirs" by Michèle Arnaud captures the essence of the darkness that comes along with heartbreak. The lyrics speak to the way that sorrow has a way of being all-consuming, taking over every aspect of one's thoughts and emotions. The opening lines, "La nuit, tous les chagrins se grisent," describe how grief can taint even the darkest of nights, and how desperately one might wish for it to go away. The repeated refrain, "Les papillons noirs," reinforces the idea that heartbreak is a pervasive and inescapable presence, like a swarm of black butterflies that will not leave.

The second stanza shifts focus to the one who has been left behind, describing how others might try to distract them from their pain, but nothing seems to help. The image of "pierreries" (jewels) that "attirent au cœur de la nuit" (draw in the heart of the night) suggests that even the most dazzling distractions pale in comparison to the magnitude of loss.

The final stanza brings the focus back to the singer, who catches a glimpse of their reflection in a mirror as dawn is breaking. The phrase "Complètement noir" is repeated three times, emphasizing the sense of being completely engulfed by darkness. The final lines, which describe the discovery of a black butterfly on their shirt, suggest that the singer is powerless to escape the grasp of their grief.

Overall, "Les papillons noirs" is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the depth of feeling that comes with heartbreak. The repeated refrain of "Les papillons noirs" is particularly effective in conveying the sense of being surrounded and suffocated by sorrow.