C'est le refrain de ma vie

Petula Clark's song 'C'est le refrain de ma vie' is a poetic reflection on the journey of life, likening it to the pages of a novel. Each person has their own destiny and share of troubles, but Clark chooses to view her life as a garden where songs bloom like flowers. This metaphor suggests that despite the ups and downs, she finds beauty and joy in her experiences, using music as a way to navigate through life's seasons.

The refrain of her life, as she describes, has shaped her into the person she is today—a woman with her own joys and dramas. The song highlights the importance of love and companionship, as she recounts meeting someone who took her hand and professed their love. This relationship, though sometimes strained, is a central theme in her life. The fear of the future and the effort required to maintain love are acknowledged, but ultimately, the embrace of her partner helps her forget her worries, reinforcing the idea that love is a powerful, comforting force.

Clark also touches on the simple yet profound joys of life, such as the smile of a child calling her 'maman.' This moment of innocence and pure happiness contrasts with the more complex emotions of adult relationships, adding depth to her life's melody. The song concludes with a sense of acceptance and contentment, as she declares that she has no regrets and that her life is encapsulated in this refrain. The repetitive 'la, la, la' at the end symbolizes the ongoing, cyclical nature of life, filled with both harmony and dissonance, yet always moving forward.