“On va s’aimer” by Gilbert Montagné: Meaning of the Song

About “On va s’aimer”

“On va s’aimer” was released in 1983, marking Gilbert Montagné’s return to the French music scene after a period of absence. Written by Didier Barbelivien and composed by Gilbert Montagné, this track is taken from the album Liberté released in 1984. The song was produced by Dario Farina and Gilbert Montagné for the Carrère label. Upon its release, the single reached number two on the charts in France and earned a gold record. The success of the song solidified the singer’s standing and paved the way for a long series of hits throughout the 1980s.

Analysis and Meaning of “On va s’aimer”

General Interpretation of the Song

The central theme of “On va s’aimer” is the power of romantic commitment, illustrated by aerial and wandering imagery. Gilbert Montagné invites his audience to break through the barriers of daily life to celebrate a limitless love, like swallows returning to their nests each spring. The chorus emphasizes the symbolic liberation of the spirit and the abandonment of constraints or routines in favor of an infinite horizon. The catchy, ascending melody supports the idea of a passion that uplifts and transcends fears.

Read also: “I Miss You” in French: Definition, Synonyms, and Examples

The track unfolds a rhythmic and harmonic progression that guides the listener toward a feeling of elevation. The synthpop and dance-pop orchestrations, coupled with the artist’s powerful voice, convey the urgency and joy of this love projected with fervor. The choice of varied settings (airplane, boat, ice floe) reflects the universal and timeless dimension of this emotional impulse. Through each verse, the song builds an emotional journey where the simple desire to love becomes a quest for freedom. The melody, simple and effective, stays in the listener’s mind long after hearing it, embodying the theme of celebrating love.

“On va s’aimer” on Spotify:

Analysis of the Lyrics of “On va s’aimer”

• “On va s’aimer, à toucher le ciel / Se séparer, à brûler nos ailes / Se retrouver comme les hirondelles”
  (English translation: “We will love each other by touching the sky / Separate by burning our wings / Find each other again like swallows”)
  This poetic opening evokes the duality of love that both elevates and wounds, like wings burned by the fire of passion. The bird metaphor highlights both fragility and rebirth, suggesting a perpetual quest. Swallows embody fidelity and return, grounding the story in a natural, reassuring cycle.
• “On va jeter les clés d’la maison / On va rêver à d’autres saisons / On va quitter ces murs de prison”
  (English translation: “We will throw away the house keys / We will dream of other seasons / We will leave these prison walls”)
  Here, the home becomes a symbolic prison that must be shaken to renew life and feelings. The act of throwing away the keys symbolizes a deliberate break from habits in search of new experiences. The idea of different seasons reinforces the cyclical and multifaceted nature of love, inviting one to live it without constraint.
• “On va s’aimer / Dans un avion, sur le pont d’un bateau / On va s’aimer, à se brûler la peau”
  (English translation:“We will love each other / In an airplane, on the deck of a boat / We will love each other, burning our skin”)
  The chorus reprises travel and fresh, humid imagery, promising shared adventures. The image of burning skin illustrates the strength of physical sensation and the intensity of contact. The repetition underscores the unwavering will of this love, unfolding across all the world’s spaces.

Analysis of the Clip

This video is not an official clip. On March 3, 1999, in the show La Chance aux chansons, Gilbert Montagné performed “On va s’aimer” on Pascal Sevran’s set, in a sequence from the archives of the INA (Institut National de l’Audiovisuel = National Audiovisual Institute).

Technical Details

• Date of release: 1983
• Album: Liberté
• Related songs: “Liberté”, “Les sunlights des tropiques”, “Musicienne”
• Musical genre: French variety, dance-pop, synthpop
• Writer(s): Didier Barbelivien
• Composer(s): Gilbert Montagné
• Producer(s): Dario Farina, Gilbert Montagné
• Label/distribution: Carrère
• Title translation: We will love each other

Impact and Reception

Upon its release, “On va s’aimer” was praised by critics for its successful blend of light pop and unabashed romanticism. The public quickly embraced it, turning the song into a staple on radio and in nightclubs. The track reached number two on the French hit parade, becoming one of the year’s best-selling singles. Its gold record certification attests to its massive distribution and immediate popular appeal.

The song has transcended generations thanks to its freshness and the strength of its melody. It frequently appears on television programs dedicated to hits and continues to be played at birthdays and weddings; it is truly a unifying song.

Conclusion about the Song

“On va s’aimer” remains a cornerstone of French pop that captures the essence of festive and passionate love. Through this track, Gilbert Montagné offers an optimistic and timeless vision of romantic feeling, carried by a melody that stays in the mind. The work summarizes an era when popular music favored lyrical flights and grand gestures, offering the listener an emotional journey beyond the constraints of everyday life.

This song has animated numerous generations and ranks among the famous French songs. Don’t hesitate to share your opinion on “On va s’aimer” and comment on its meaning.