Je pense encore a toi (I still think of you), Fragile, 1980
This hymn-like and very short poem of only 17 lines and 2 minutes duration resembles a melodic reverie, prayer or “epistolary poem,” much like a Catholic “holy card” surely familiar to Cabrel’s “occitane” heritage. The narrator addresses an unnamed recipient whom he can’t forget. Although it is tempting to fantasize a romantic relationship, the lyrics are not that specific.
Three of the 4 stanzas (1,2,4) evoke experiential metaphors despite which the narrator’s lingering memories persist. Each of these 3 stanzas falls back to earth with the last line: “Je pense encore à toi” (I still think of you). The upbeat chorus in the third stanza slightly alleviates the tension. The piece is effectively 4 quatrains with an ABBC rhyme scheme in all except the chorus.
In succession, the metaphors recount (1) a visit to an empty church, (2) nature’s hazards (wind, sharp stones, creeks), and (4) an encounter with a beggar dressed in kind. None of these experiences effaces the persistent memories. The chorus (3) expresses slim solace that memories will fade in time, albeit slowly.
Three of the 4 stanzas (1,2,4) evoke experiential metaphors despite which the narrator’s lingering memories persist. Each of these 3 stanzas falls back to earth with the last line: “Je pense encore à toi” (I still think of you). The upbeat chorus in the third stanza slightly alleviates the tension. The piece is effectively 4 quatrains with an ABBC rhyme scheme in all except the chorus.
In succession, the metaphors recount (1) a visit to an empty church, (2) nature’s hazards (wind, sharp stones, creeks), and (4) an encounter with a beggar dressed in kind. None of these experiences effaces the persistent memories. The chorus (3) expresses slim solace that memories will fade in time, albeit slowly.
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Je suis entré dans l'église, Je n'y ai vu personne Que le regard éteint du plâtre des statues Je connais un endroit où il y a rien au-dessus Je pense encore à toi J'aurais dû me méfier des vents qui tourbillonnent De ces pierres qui taillent cachées sous l'eau qui dort De ces bouts de ruisseaux qui deviennent des ports Je pense encore à toi On m'avait dit que tout s'efface Heureusement que le temps passe J'aurais appris qu'il faut longtemps Mais le temps passe heureusement, heureusement J'ai croisé le mendiant qui a perdu sa route Dans mon manteau de pluie je lui ressemble un peu Et puis j'ai ton image plantée dans les yeux Je pense encore à toi |
I walked into the church, I saw nobody there But the faded gaze of plastered statues I know a place where there is nothing above I still think of you I should have bewared of the swirling winds, Of these sharp stones hidden under still waters Of these little creeks that become harbors I still think of you I had been told that everything fades, Fortunately, time goes by I would have learned it takes a long time But time goes by, fortunately, fortunately I met the beggar who lost his way, In my raincoat I resemble him a little But then I have your image fixed in my eyes I still think of you |
Et puis can have various meanings: “and then,” “and what’s more,” “and finally.” Despite everything, the memories persist.
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