Le vingt deux septembre

Georges Brassens' song "Le vingt deux septembre" is a poignant exploration of grief, memory, and the process of moving on. The song's title, which translates to "The Twenty-Second of September," marks a significant date for the narrator, a day that once held deep sorrow and remembrance. Each year on this date, the narrator would mourn the loss of a loved one, shedding tears and feeling the weight of their absence. However, as the song progresses, we witness a transformation in the narrator's emotional state. The repeated refrain, "Le vingt et deux septembre, aujourd'hui, je m'en fous" ("The twenty-second of September, today, I don't care"), signifies a shift from profound grief to a sense of indifference or acceptance.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references that enhance the depth of the song. For instance, the mention of Jacques Prévert, a renowned French poet, and his snails, symbolizes the passage of time and the natural cycle of life and death. The reference to Icarus, a figure from Greek mythology who flew too close to the sun, illustrates the narrator's past attempts to reach for something unattainable, only to be met with pain and disappointment. These allusions serve to underscore the narrator's journey from a state of mourning to one of emotional release.

Brassens' musical style, characterized by its poetic lyrics and simple yet evocative melodies, adds to the song's emotional impact. His ability to convey complex emotions through straightforward language and relatable imagery makes "Le vingt deux septembre" a powerful reflection on the human experience of loss and healing. The song ultimately speaks to the universal process of coming to terms with grief and finding a way to move forward, even when the memories of a loved one linger.