Aquarelle translates to "watercolor" in English. It's a beautiful and evocative word that refers to a painting technique using watercolors, often associated with delicate and vibrant imagery.
In the song, Joe Dassin uses this word poetically to describe his lover: "Avec ta robe longue tu ressemblais / A une aquarelle de Marie Laurencin" (With your long dress you resembled / A watercolor by Marie Laurencin). This comparison paints a vivid picture of her grace and beauty, making it a memorable and unique choice for the lyrics.
Imagine a golden autumn morning on a quiet North-American beach, when summer refuses to leave. That is the scene Joe Dassin, a Canadian-born artist, paints in “L’été Indien.” He looks back on a perfect walk with a long-haired lover, comparing her flowing dress to a delicate watercolor. Wrapped in warm sunshine and vibrant foliage, the couple promise to follow each other anywhere and love each other forever. In that instant, they believe life will always feel like this rare “Indian summer.”
The song then leaps to the present, where the singer is far from that shore, wondering if he still lives in her memories. As waves roll in and retreat, he drifts through time, reliving the scent of the salt air and the thrill of young love. “L’été Indien” is both a celebration of a magical day and a bittersweet reminder that even the brightest seasons fade—yet in our hearts they can glow forever.