Michel Polnareff is one of the French music scene's more unconventional figures. He has a reputation for his wildly non-conformist lifestyle, but also made a name for himself with his legendary melodies.
L'Oiseau De Nuit
Michel Polnareff Lyrics
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Dans la rue qui sent déjà l'hiver
Ou!
Parmi tous ces inconnus qui rentrent
Retrouver la femme et le couvert
Ou!
L'oiseau de nuit
Je ne l'oublie
Je me vois attendre sur les marches
Le matin qui me réchauffera
Ou!
Guetter l'uniforme ou la démarche
De ceux qui ne servent que la loi
Ou!
L'oiseau de nuit
L'oiseau de pluie
Je ne l'oublie
Et je vois aussi couler tes larmes
Toi qui vins danser avec le jour
Ou!
Mais il valait mieux rompre le charme
Que te laisser croire à notre amour
Ou!
L'oiseau de nuit
L'oiseau de pluie
Je ne l'oublie
L'oiseau de nuit
L'oiseau de pluie
Je ne n'oublie pas
The lyrics of Michel Polnareff's song "L'Oiseau De Nuit" describe a lonely and desperate person walking down the street, feeling hungry and navigating the cold, grey atmosphere of winter. The singer is among strangers returning home to find food and shelter, while the singer remains alone and isolated. The "bird of the night" and "bird of rain" imagery may represent the song's theme of loneliness and sadness, and the singer's struggle to cope with his solitude. He also waits on the steps for the morning to arrive, hoping that it will bring him warmth and comfort; he watches for the uniform or the footsteps of those who serve the law, suggesting that he may feel like an outsider or a criminal.
Additionally, the lyrics touch upon a failed love story, with the singer reflecting upon his ex-partner's tears and their shared moments of joy. The singer appears to miss their connection, but ultimately decides that it was better to break the spell and move on, despite the pain it may have caused. The repeated refrain of "Je ne l'oublie pas" (I don't forget) highlights the singer's need to hold onto to the memories of those who have left his life, whether it be the love of his ex-partner or the small pleasures in life.
Overall, "L'Oiseau De Nuit" is a heartfelt and melancholic song which addresses themes of loneliness, isolation, loss and memories of a past love.
Line by Line Meaning
Je me vois marcher, la faim au ventre
I see myself walking with hunger in my stomach
Dans la rue qui sent déjà l'hiver
In the street that already smells of winter
Parmi tous ces inconnus qui rentrent
Among all those strangers coming home
Retrouver la femme et le couvert
To find the woman and some food
L'oiseau de nuit
The bird of night
L'oiseau de pluie
The bird of rain
Je ne l'oublie
I don't forget it
Je me vois attendre sur les marches
I see myself waiting on the steps
Le matin qui me réchauffera
For the morning that will warm me
Guetter l'uniforme ou la démarche
Watching for the uniform or the gait
De ceux qui ne servent que la loi
Of those who only serve the law
Et je vois aussi couler tes larmes
And I also see your tears flowing
Toi qui vins danser avec le jour
You who came to dance with the day
Mais il valait mieux rompre le charme
But it was better to break the spell
Que te laisser croire à notre amour
Than to let you believe in our love
L'oiseau de nuit
The bird of night
L'oiseau de pluie
The bird of rain
Je ne l'oublie
I don't forget it
L'oiseau de nuit
The bird of night
L'oiseau de pluie
The bird of rain
Je ne n'oublie pas
I don't forget it
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT (FRANCE), BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing, LES NOUVELLES EDITIONS MERIDIAN
Written by: Michel Polnareff, Frank Gerald
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind