Trépassés refers to 'the deceased' or 'those who have passed away'. It's a more formal and poetic term than common words for death, often found in literature or historical contexts.
In the song, Bénabar uses it to evoke a sense of nostalgia for past lovers like Romeo and Juliet, asking "Où sont passés les trépassés les Roméos, les Juliettes?" (Where have the deceased gone, the Romeos, the Juliets?). This word choice adds a touch of dramatic flair and historical depth, making it quite memorable.
Where have all the hopeless romantics gone? In Les Belles Histoires, Bénabar strolls through crowded streets, airports, and classrooms, searching for the grand love stories that once made hearts race. With playful references to Romeo and Juliet, blushing students, and a world without Tinder, he laments how dramatic declarations of love seem to have vanished. Each witty line is a nostalgic wink to first quarrels, first “we,” and the flutter of panic that used to accompany an uncontrollable crush.
Yet the song is not just wistful; it is a spirited call to action. Bénabar clings to the hope that the man sprinting through the terminal is chasing a teary lover, not merely late for a flight. He urges listeners to believe that passionate gestures still exist somewhere—perhaps hiding behind crumpled Cupid wings or muted Chopin sonatas—waiting to be revived. Les Belles Histoires invites us to rediscover the thrill of heartfelt romance and keep those legendary love stories alive.