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Bruno Pelletier - Le temps des cathédrales (1998) HQ
It's a story that takes place
C'est une histoire qui a pour lieu
Beautiful Paris in the year of God
Paris la belle en l'an de Dieu
one thousand four hundred and eighty-two
Mille quatre cent quatre-vingt-deux
Story of love and desire
Histoire d'amour et de désir
We the anonymous artists
Nous les artistes anonymes
Of sculpture or rhyme
De la sculpture ou de la rime
We will try to transcribe it for you
Tenterons de vous la transcrire
For centuries to come
Pour les siècles à venir
The time has come for cathedrals
Il est venu le temps des cathédrales
The world has entered
Le monde est entré
In a new millennium
Dans un nouveau millénaire
The man wanted to climb to the stars
L'homme a voulu monter vers les étoiles
Write your story
Écrire son histoire
In glass or in stone
Dans le verre ou dans la pierre
Stone by stone, day by day
Pierre après pierre, jour après jour
From century to century with love
De siècle en siècle avec amour
He saw the towers rise
Il a vu s'élever les tours
That he had built with his hands
Qu'il avait bâties de ses mains
Poets and troubadours
Les poètes et les troubadours
sang love songs
Ont chanté des chansons d'amour
Who promised the human race
Qui promettaient au genre humain
Better tomorrows
De meilleurs lendemains
The time has come for cathedrals
Il est venu le temps des cathédrales
The world has entered
Le monde est entré
In a new millennium
Dans un nouveau millénaire
The man wanted to climb to the stars
L'homme a voulu monter vers les étoiles
Write your story
Écrire son histoire
In glass or in stone
Dans le verre ou dans la pierre
The time has come for cathedrals
Il est venu le temps des cathédrales
The world has entered
Le monde est entré
In a new millennium
Dans un nouveau millénaire
The man wanted to climb to the stars
L'homme a voulu monter vers les étoiles
Write your story
Écrire son histoire
In glass or in stone
Dans le verre ou dans la pierre
The time of cathedrals is over
Il est foutu le temps des cathédrales
The crowd of barbarians
La foule des barbares
Is at the gates of the city
Est aux portes de la ville
Let these pagans, these vandals in
Laissez entrer ces païens, ces vandales
The end of this world
La fin de ce monde
Is planned for the year two thousand
Est prévue pour l'an deux mille
Is planned for the year two thousand
Est prévue pour l'an deux mille
The year was 1998. The musical ‘Notre-Dame de Paris’ had just opened in Paris and this song was among the many taking France by storm. Powerful, dramatic, it seemed to somehow capture the spirit of Victor Hugo’s novel.
With music written by Richard Cocciante and lyrics by Luc Plamandon, the musical had all the ingredients of a major international success. It had the most successful first year of any musical ever according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It was translated into 8 languages and went on to have long runs around the world.
The Meaning Behind The Song: Le Temps des Cathédrales by Bruno Pelletier
Le Temps des Cathédrales is a captivating song by Bruno Pelletier that explores the profound emotions and themes associated with human existence and the passage of time. With its poignant lyrics and powerful melodies, this timeless piece takes listeners on a journey through the grandeur of medieval cathedrals, while simultaneously delving into the complexities of life, faith, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
Unveiling the Essence of Le Temps des Cathédrales
The song is steeped in metaphorical language, drawing parallels between the majestic architecture of cathedrals and the complexity of the human experience. It delves into the passage of time and the impermanence of life, reflecting on the inevitable transitory nature of existence. Bruno Pelletier’s soulful and emotive vocals, combined with the haunting melody, create a powerful atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners.
Throughout the song, Pelletier takes a contemplative approach, examining the juxtaposition between the material world and the spiritual realm. The lyrics evoke a sense of wonderment, as the cathedrals become a symbol of both human creation and the divine. They represent the confluence of art, history, and spirituality, while also serving as a reminder of the fragility and impermanence of human achievements.
In addition to its exploration of the human condition, Le Temps des Cathédrales also touches on the themes of self-discovery and personal growth. The song encourages listeners to embrace their individual journeys and to seek fulfillment amidst the complexities of life. It invites us to reflect on our purpose and to recognize that, much like the cathedrals themselves, our existence is a testament to the beauty and strength of the human spirit.