Song meaning of L’illusionniste by Keren Ann

The song "L'illusionniste" by Keren Ann conveys a message of escapism and the power of imagination. The lyrics depict a person who chooses to forget their sorrow and loneliness by becoming an illusionist, someone who has the ability to create their own reality. 

The lines "Je sème les souvenirs que j'aime" ("I scatter the memories I love") and "J'ose faire d'un lys une rose" ("I dare to make a lily into a rose") suggest a deliberate choice to rewrite and reshape their past, turning painful memories into more pleasant ones. The reference to "mes années de bohème" ("my bohemian years") suggests a longing for a freer, more adventurous past. 

The protagonist emphasizes their ability to imagine and dream, seeking refuge in the vibrant and magical world they create. They speak of forgetting their longing for someone, acknowledging the passage of time, but refusing to be a sad clown. It highlights their determination to embrace the power of illusion and transformation to find solace and joy.

Overall, the lyrics convey the idea that one can find solace and happiness by tapping into their inner illusionist, using the power of imagination to transcend the hardships of reality. Despite the passing of time and the pain of missing someone, the protagonist refuses to be confined by sadness, choosing instead to create their own world of magic and wonder.