Calles de París

María Elena Walsh's song "Calles de París" paints a vivid and somewhat melancholic picture of Paris through its evocative lyrics. The song opens with an image of Paris dressed in a slate-gray overcoat and a wig of snow, setting a wintry, somber tone. The parks, usually filled with the laughter of children, are now empty and covered in a dreamlike, celestial sleep. This imagery suggests a city in hibernation, a place where the usual vibrancy is replaced by a quiet, almost surreal stillness.

As the song progresses, Walsh introduces the sounds and sights of the city. The wet streets echo with the song of a blind man as darkness falls, and behind every window, the warmth of hot soup contrasts with the cold outside. This juxtaposition of the external cold and internal warmth highlights the duality of Paris – a city that is both harsh and comforting. The mention of towers falling into the river and buses crossing bridges adds to the sense of movement and change, yet there is a timeless quality to the scene, as if these moments are frozen in time.

The final verses bring a sense of routine and normalcy amidst the poetic imagery. Street lamps open their eyes, and guards close gates, while behind the windows, children are doing their homework. This return to everyday life grounds the song, reminding the listener that beneath the poetic and sometimes surreal descriptions, there is a real, living city. Walsh's lyrical style, rich with metaphors and vivid imagery, captures the essence of Paris in a way that is both enchanting and reflective, inviting the listener to see the city through her eyes.