Lettre � Toussenot  7 f�vrier 1949

Song Meaning

This letter, penned in Paris on February 7, 1949, opens with a sense of artistic frustration and dashed hopes. The narrator recounts how "Corne d'Aurochs" (likely a project or a person) acted impulsively, leading to disappointment. Two songs are ready but lack a performer, highlighting the chaotic nature of the music industry where loudness trumps quality. The narrator observes that success isn't immediate, a fact that matters less to him and his correspondent than to others like Jeanne, Marcel, and Émile. The narrator then shifts to a more personal and philosophical stance, asserting his artistic integrity. He dismisses concerns about his "metal" (perhaps his reputation or resilience), claiming he's "born of the main colors" and speaks a unique, untranslatable language. This suggests a deep-seated confidence in his artistic vision, even when misunderstood or outside the mainstream. He finds solace in his creative output, mentioning writing fifty verses soon to be shared. The letter touches on the importance of maintaining a certain detachment from the world's judgment. The narrator advises his correspondent, Roger, to embrace appearing foolish, echoing a sentiment about letting others "dishonor themselves." He questions the relevance of external reality, referencing Delacroix's idea of nature as a "lexicon, not a book." This points to an artistic philosophy focused on internal experience and the act of creation itself, where childhood memories are woven into his work. The closing is warm and personal, reinforcing the bond between the writer and Roger.