Au Clair de La Lune

The song 'Au Clair de La Lune' by Chansons Enfantines is a classic French lullaby that has been sung for generations. The lyrics tell a simple story set under the light of the moon, where the character seeks assistance from his friend Pierrot. The song opens with a request for a quill to write a word, as the speaker's candle has gone out. This sets the stage for a tale of seeking help and the interconnectedness of a community, albeit with a touch of humor and whimsy.

As the song progresses, Pierrot directs the seeker to the neighbor's house, suggesting that she might have a light. The neighbor, a woman, is surprised by the late-night knocking but is asked to open the door 'for the love of God.' The narrative is gentle and playful, with the characters moving through the night in search of something as simple as a pen and light. The repeated phrase 'for the love of God' adds a sense of urgency and pleading to the otherwise lighthearted quest.

The final verses reveal that the search in the dim moonlight leads to an unspecified discovery, as the door closes on the seeker and the neighbor. The song concludes with Pierrot falling back asleep, dreaming of the moon, which is personified as generous and caring, offering a silver crescent to the pure-hearted child. The lullaby's soothing melody and the comforting image of the moon's gift provide a peaceful resolution to the nocturnal adventure.