You've Got To Learn

Charles Aznavour's song 'You've Got To Learn' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, particularly the necessity of resilience in the face of life's hardships. The lyrics speak to the universal experience of suffering and the importance of maintaining a facade of strength and happiness, even when one is feeling the exact opposite. Aznavour's message is clear: one must learn to cope with pain and disappointment, to hide one's true feelings in order to move forward in life.

The song delves into the theme of personal pride and the difficulty of swallowing it, especially when faced with humiliation. It's about the internal struggle of maintaining dignity and composure when everything inside is in turmoil. Aznavour suggests that facing reality can be incredibly challenging, but it's necessary for personal growth. The metaphor of leaving the table 'when love is no longer being served' is a powerful image of knowing when to walk away from a situation that is no longer beneficial or healthy.

Aznavour's lyrics also touch on the concept of emotional strength and the battle between the head and the heart. He acknowledges that life is unpredictable and that dwelling on the future is futile. Instead, he advocates for learning from hard experiences and listening to reason, even if it means enduring pain. The song closes with a somber acceptance that while one can learn many things, living with a broken heart may not be one of them, suggesting a limit to human resilience.