Viens

In 'Viens,' Françoise Hardy crafts a poignant narrative that invites a lover to come closer, despite the inherent risks and past pains. The song opens with a metaphor, comparing the lover to a ship arriving at a port, suggesting a temporary yet significant connection. This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the song, where Hardy's heart is portrayed as a welcoming but fragile harbor, ready to give everything despite the potential for suffering. The repetition of 'viens' (come) underscores the urgency and longing in her plea.

Hardy delves into her own vulnerabilities, admitting that her heart has often been burned by giving too much. Yet, she remains unafraid of suffering, indicating a resilience born from past experiences. This resilience is further highlighted when she confesses to lying, attributing it to the presence of a 'wounded bird' in her memories. This metaphor suggests past traumas that still influence her actions, adding depth to her character and making her invitation even more poignant.

The song also touches on themes of destruction and truth. Hardy acknowledges her past mistakes and the people she has hurt, but she no longer fears the truth. This acceptance of her flaws and the consequences of her actions adds a layer of maturity to the song. The final verses bring a sense of closure, as she asks for everything to end when the lover decides to leave, indicating a desire for a clean break to facilitate healing. The repeated 'on on on' and 'viens' at the end emphasize her emotional intensity and the cyclical nature of love and loss.