Some stories need to be told before they fade out, like an abandoned campfi… Read Full Bio ↴Some stories need to be told before they fade out, like an abandoned campfire at dawn.

After playing in the subway and on many small scenes with Polar Eyes both in Montreal and elsewhere, Thierry Bruyère tried his luck in french to share with his public his musical universe which combines British melancholy, folk and pop sounds and a pen that claims his American Frenchness.

Produced by Navet Confit, Thierry's first album also include contributions from Vincent Blain (L'indice), Marc Chartrain (Pascale Picard, Damien Robitaille, Les Chiens) and Émilie Proulx.

http://www.myspace.com/thierrybruyere

Cette ville qui vieillit
Thierry Bruyère Lyrics

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Le Mont-Royal dans les veines
Les yeux tournés vers le fleuve
Les mains et les pieds qui gèlent
La tête encore dans les ruelles

Les vélos, les hirondelles
Nous ont quittés pour ne pas rouiller
Les foulards et les pelles

Pourront bientôt les remplacer

Le soleil est encore couché
Le chauffeur s'est arrêté
Debout à l'arrière

Dans les autobus de Montréal
Je regarde vieillir ma ville
Entre le confort et l'insouciance
Un essoufflement tranquille

Les couleurs de Côte-des-Neiges
L'oratoire seul dans son coin
Les retards sur la Main
Les bancs vides au parc Lafontaine

Les balcons sur De Lorimier;
La détresse sur Ontario
J'ai en tête un poème
Que j'ai lu sur un mur

À la sortie du métro
À propos d'un cœur usé
Qu'on piétine comme un dessein
Inachevé

Dans les autobus de Montréal
Je regarde vieillir ma ville
Entre le confort et l'insouciance
Un essoufflement tranquille

Dans les autobus de Montréal
Je regarde vieillir ma ville
Jamais au volant, toujours témoin
D'un essoufflement tranquille

Dans les autobus de Montréal
Je regarde dormir ma ville

La voix du chauffeur pour alarme
J'ai encore manqué mon arrêt

Overall Meaning

Thierry Bruyère's song "Cette ville qui vieillit" describes the aging of Montreal through the eyes of a commuter on a bus. The song is full of vivid imagery that highlights the changes in the landscape and environment of the city, as well as the emotional impact of these changes on its inhabitants. The lyrics evoke feelings of nostalgia, loneliness, and resignation.

The first verse of the song sets the scene, with the singer describing the physical sensations of being in the city, such as hands and feet freezing, and the head still swirling with memories of the past. The second verse references the departure of summer favorites such as bicycles and swallows, and the impending arrival of winter tools like scarves and shovels. The third verse describes the sights and sounds of different neighborhoods in Montreal, including the colors of Côte-des-Neiges and the desolation of empty park benches. The fourth verse reflects on an overheard conversation about heartbreak and loss, and the final verse contemplates the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

The repeated refrain of "Je regarde vieillir ma ville" (I watch my city age) emphasizes the theme of change and the singer's sense of detachment from the rapid transformation of the city around them. However, despite the melancholic tone of the song, there is also a sense of reverence for the city and its history. The song acknowledges that while Montreal may be aging, it still has a unique character and beauty that is worth preserving and appreciating.

Line by Line Meaning

Le Mont-Royal dans les veines
The deep connection to Mount Royal

Les yeux tournés vers le fleuve
Looking towards the river

Les mains et les pieds qui gèlent
Freezing hands and feet

La tête encore dans les ruelles
Thinking about the old streets

Les vélos, les hirondelles
Bikes and swallows that have left

Nous ont quittés pour ne pas rouiller
They left to avoid rusting

Les foulards et les pelles
Scarves and shovels

Pourront bientôt les remplacer
Soon to be replaced by others

Le soleil est encore couché
The sun is still setting

Le chauffeur s'est arrêté
The driver has stopped

Debout à l'arrière
Standing in the back