La Coupole
Renaud Lyrics

The song La Coupole by Renaud is a tribute to the famous Parisian brasserie, La Coupole, which was a cultural hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals in the 1920s and 30s. The lyrics describe various famous people who frequented the restaurant and their interactions with the beautiful young women who also frequented La Coupole. Andy Warhol is mentioned as painting the legs of Mistinguett, a famous French singer and actress, and giving them the graceful shape of a swan's neck. Then Lewis Carrol is referenced as imagining young girls in jean overalls with glitter on their cheeks. Renaud sings of his fascination with these young women, who he compares to Marilyn Monroe, as they leave school and head to La Coupole, strutting their stuff and trying to attract attention from the men.

The chorus describes the singer's love for going to La Coupole at night, drinking and flirting with all the beautiful and frivolous women. He describes them as idols, midinettes (young working girls), gigolettes (dancers), and carolines (a name that evokes a sense of upper-class elegance, but also of a time gone by). Despite their status as stars of La Coupole, Renaud acknowledges that they are really just starlettes, minor celebrities in a world that values beauty and youth above all else.

This song is not just a descriptive ode to a legendary Parisian establishment, but also a nostalgic look back at a time when cultural figures mingled with ordinary people in public spaces. It also highlights the power dynamics between men and women, as the male singer seems to revel in the attention of the young women who are seeking his approval. Overall, the song captures the energy and allure of a place and time that still fascinates people today.