When the World Was Young
Memories of a Parisian Past: When the World Was Young
Lyrics
It isn't by chance I happen to be
Expressing that being in a certain situation is not a coincidence.
A boulevardier, the toast of Paris
Describing oneself as a fashionable person in Paris.
For over the noise, the talk and the smoke
Despite the noise and distractions, the speaker is good for humor and socializing.
I'm good for a laugh, a drink or
Highlighting the speaker's ability to bring joy through laughter, drinks, or jokes.
A jokeI walk in a room, a party or ball
Describing the speaker's entrance into social gatherings where they are welcomed.
"Come sit over here" somebody will call
Someone invites the speaker to sit down at a party or ball.
"A drink for M'sieur, a drink for us all!
People are toasting and celebrating, offering drinks to everyone.
But how many times I stop and recall
Reflecting on past memories and moments while socializing.
Ah, the apple trees blossoms in the breeze
Recalling the imagery of apple trees blossoming in the breeze.
That we walked among lying in the hay
Shared memories of walking among apple trees and lying in the hay.
Games we used to play
Referencing games played and enjoyable activities from the past.
While the rounds were sung
Connecting memories to singing rounds in the past.
Only yesterday, when the world was young
Expressing nostalgia for a time when the world was young.
Wherever I go they mention my name
Wherever the speaker goes, their name is recognized, implying a level of fame.
And that in it'self, is some sort of fame
The acknowledgment of being mentioned is considered a form of recognition.
"Come by for a drink, we're having a game
Invitations and camaraderie follow the speaker wherever they go.
" wherever I go I'm glad that I came
The speaker is pleased to have visited wherever they go.
The talk is quite gay, the company fine
Describing the lively and enjoyable atmosphere at social events.
There's laughter and lights
Listing elements of a festive environment, including laughter, lights, glamour, and wine.
And glamour and wine
Highlighting the presence of beautiful girls, some of whom belong to the speaker.
And beautiful girls and some of them mine
A contrast is hinted, suggesting a different shine in the speaker's eyes.
But often my eyes see a diff'rent shine
The speaker sees a different, perhaps more profound, aspect amid the festivities.
Ah, the apple trees sunlit memories
Revisiting memories associated with apple trees and sunlight.
Where the hammock swung
Recalling a specific image of a hammock swinging among apple trees.
On our backs we'd lie looking at the sky
Describing lying on one's back, looking at the sky, and reminiscing.
Till the stars were strung
Continuing to reminisce until the stars appeared in the sky.
Only last July when the world was young
Expressing nostalgia for a time just last July when the world felt young.
Ah, the apple trees blossoms in the breeze
Repeating the imagery of apple trees blossoming in the breeze.
That we walked among lying in the hay
Recalling walking among the blossoming apple trees while lying in the hay.
Games we used to play
Revisiting games played and activities from that youthful time.
While the rounds were sung
Connecting memories to singing rounds during that youthful period.
Only yesterday, when the world was young
Reiterating the theme of nostalgia for the past when the world was young.
While sitting around, we often recall
During social gatherings, there are frequent reminiscences.
The laugh of the year, the night of them all
Reflecting on memorable moments, specifically the laugh and night of a particular year.
The blonde who was so attractive that year
Recalling an attractive blonde from a past event or opening night.
Some opening night that made us all cheer
Referencing a night that was so impressive it garnered cheers from everyone present.
Remember that time we all got so tight
Recollecting a time when everyone got intoxicated, and two individuals got into a fight.
And Jacques and Antoine got into a fight
Specifically naming Jacques and Antoine, who were involved in a fight.
The gendarmes who came
Describing the response of the gendarmes (police) who arrived at the scene.
Passed out like a light
Noting that the gendarmes passed out due to the situation.
I laugh with the rest, it's all very bright
Ending on a light note, laughing along with others, emphasizing the brightness of the memories.
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