Song meaning of L’enfance by Jacques Brel

The lyrics of "L’enfance" by Jacques Brel reflect on the concept of childhood and the impact it has on our lives. The song talks about how childhood is elusive, with no clear beginning or end, and how it shapes our identities and relationships as we age. 

Brel sings about the nostalgia and yearning associated with childhood, how it can both hinder and enrich our adult lives. The lyrics suggest that childhood is a time of innocence and freedom, a time when dreams are still possible. However, it also acknowledges the bittersweetness of growing up and the loss of that pure and carefree state. 

Overall, the song seems to convey the idea that our childhood experiences, memories, and emotions stay with us throughout our lives, influencing who we become and how we navigate the complexities of adulthood. It speaks to the universal experience of grappling with the passage of time and finding a balance between holding onto the past and embracing the future.