Favourite Song
Vincent Delerm Neil Hannon Lyrics

The song "Favourite Song" by Vincent Delerm and Neil Hannon is an ode to the power of music and the experience of being a fan of a particular artist or song. The opening lines establish this love for music and the sense of nostalgia it evokes in the singer - they were a fan of a song, still are, and consider it the greatest thing they've ever heard. However, the following line suggests that despite the singer's admiration for the song, they didn't understand the lyrics - "But I didn't get a word." This highlights the idea that music can connect with people in different ways, and that the meaning one person takes from a song may not necessarily be the same as another.

The second verse continues this theme, with the singer referencing their attempts to understand French music. They mention not knowing what a "javanaise" or a "poinçonneur des lilas" means, but they still listen, study the booklet and create their own meanings for each line. This speaks to the transformative power of music, where even if we don't understand the language or nuances of a particular genre, it can still move us in unexplainable ways.

The chorus then shifts to a more intimate tone - the singer recalls listening to their favourite song while lying in bed, and how eventually, everything fades away with time. They mention not understanding the phrase "cheval fourbu" and how that meaning slipped away from them as well. The final lines of the chorus contain a melancholic note, with the singer acknowledging the loss of a loved one and how they took their happiness with them.

Overall, "Favourite Song" is a bittersweet tribute to the magic of music, and how it can bring people together and evoke powerful emotions, even if the words themselves are not entirely understood.