Song meaning of Entre la rue Didot et la rue de Vanves by Jean Bertola

The song "Entre la rue Didot et la rue de Vanves" by Jean Bertola tells a story that takes place in 1940s Paris. The protagonist, who comes from Languedoc, encounters a beautiful woman named Gretchen between the streets of Didot and Vanves. However, in an act of disrespect, the protagonist offends Gretchen and incites her anger. As a result, two individuals come to the protagonist's home wearing dark coats, potentially with harmful intentions. 

Interestingly, these individuals turn out to be fans of the protagonist's guitar playing, specifically appreciating the style influenced by Django Reinhardt. They leave without causing harm, singing a mix of songs like "Lily Marlène" and "Heili Heilo." The lyrics suggest that perhaps these individuals, like André Malraux, may have undervalued music, leading to a potential conflict that could have had dire consequences. The protagonist contemplates the idea that if things had gone differently, his unknown name would be memorialized in a shrine, and someone else would be performing on the theatre stage instead of him.

Overall, the song portrays a narrative of chance encounters, misunderstandings, and the power of music to bridge gaps and diffuse tensions. It raises questions about the significance of art, the consequences of actions, and the fragility of fate.