The song "En Passant" by Jean-Jacques Goldman tells a poetic story about the fleeting nature of life and the passage of time. The lyrics are filled with rich metaphors and imagery to convey the emotions and reflections on various experiences. The first verse talks about how all ebony (dark) beings have a rendezvous, symbolizing the universal experience of facing the unknown and darkness. The singer mentions that they had sharp eyes before and could see everything, but now they are unsure of their path and where they are going. In the next verse, the lyrics describe a gentle return of old defeats and forgotten promises. The fountains flow until they reach the end, representing the extinguished hopes and dissolved wishes. The singer reminisces about shared dreams, peaceful moments that were never interrupted by coldness, tired skies burdened with storms, and elusive peace that was never achieved. The chorus repeats the idea of not knowing where the roads are leading. The singer mentions seeing birds, springs, and stones along the way, symbolizing the passing moments and experiences. The following verse describes how our defeats hunger for us, resigned oaths hidden behind masks. The day after a celebration, when the intoxication wears off, it becomes difficult to move forward and let go of heavy regrets. The lyrics touch upon the slow and quiet lingering failures, unexpected constraints, and discreet lack of courage. It conveys a sense of lost opportunities and the things that one will never become. In the last lines, the singer mentions seeing boats, flowers, and kings, and sometimes capturing beautiful mornings along the way. This once again emphasizes the passing moments and experiences as they journey through life. Overall, "En Passant" reflects on the transient nature of life, the challenges faced, and the missed opportunities one encounters while navigating through time. The lyrics evoke a sense of reflection and contemplation on the experiences and journeys of life.
