Le Baiser Permanent

"Le Baiser Permanent" by Coralie Clément is a song that explores the intoxicating and sometimes perilous nature of love and desire. The title, which translates to "The Permanent Kiss," suggests a love that is enduring and all-consuming. The lyrics describe a relationship that is both blissful and fraught with tension, capturing the duality of passion. The "permanent kiss" is depicted as a kind of perpetual intoxication, a state of euphoria that persists indefinitely. However, this bliss is juxtaposed with a sense of danger, as the singer warns of dire consequences if the relationship is threatened.

The song's narrative unfolds in a bar, a setting that often symbolizes both romance and melancholy. The singer waits for their lover, feeling insignificant and unworthy, until the transformative power of love elevates them to a state of happiness. This transformation is described as "trop bien," or "too good," highlighting the overwhelming nature of their emotions. Yet, the lyrics also hint at the darker side of this passion, with references to "bain de sang" or "bloodbath," suggesting that love can quickly turn violent if trust is broken.

Coralie Clément's style, characterized by its blend of French chanson and modern pop, adds a layer of sophistication to the song. The lyrics are rich with metaphors, such as "un mur peint en blanc" (a wall painted white) and "mon vieux calice" (my old chalice), which evoke images of purity and nostalgia. These metaphors, combined with the song's playful yet ominous tone, create a complex portrait of love as both a delightful and dangerous force. The song ultimately captures the essence of a passionate relationship, where joy and peril coexist in a delicate balance.