The song opens with a thematic harp melody which is used throughout the piece. If it isn't already obvious, the harp is representing the sea and its waves as it descends through a arpeggiaic pattern of which you can clearly envisage the waves falling at your feet as you walk along the French sand. This opening is then joined by Trenet as he starts to sing. The style of Trenet's singing compliments the music brilliantly and blends in and out with great ease. 

As the piece heads towards its climax the tone steps up as Trenet blasts out the final chorus (to place it in a modern context) in a Tom Jonesesque style which accompanied by the male chorus is stunning.

This piece of French Chanson music is a wonderful piece today and would have been extremely uplifting especially at a time of post war austerity and so I award it 4 stars out of 5. 

*****