Song meaning of Fernand by Jacques Brel

The song "Fernand" by Jacques Brel depicts the narrator's deep grief and longing for a friend named Fernand who has passed away. The lyrics express the loneliness and emptiness felt by the narrator, who is left behind while Fernand lies in his final resting place. The contrasting images of the narrator being alone and Fernand being alone in his casket evoke a sense of isolation and despair.

The mention of a white horse in front of the casket emphasizes the solemnity and solemnity of the funeral scene, while the lack of wind to stir the flowers symbolizes the stagnation and lack of movement in the narrator's life after Fernand's death. The lyrics convey a powerful sense of loss and a profound desire to keep the memory of Fernand alive.

In the second verse, the narrator reflects on the sadness of leaving Paris early in the morning when the city is still asleep. The comparison to Berlin suggests a feeling of desolation and destruction, further emphasizing the loneliness and sorrow of the narrator. The desire to wake people up and create a family for Fernand's funeral demonstrates the depth of the narrator's grief and the effort they would make to honor their friend.

The third verse introduces the idea of the narrator returning to the cemetery frequently to find solace and to be with Fernand. The mention of a shadow and the drinking of silence symbolize the narrator's longing for a connection with their friend. The lyrics also allude to the childishness of adults who engage in war, indicating a disillusionment with the world.

Overall, the lyrics of "Fernand" convey a profound sense of loss, loneliness, and yearning for connection. The song explores themes of grief, mortality, and the desire to keep memories alive.