Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: opera
Song Meaning of “Le veau d’or – from Faust” by Charles Gounod
Le veau d’or is a beautiful aria taken from the opera Faust by Charles Gounod. The aria is sung by the character of Méphistophélès, a charming yet wicked devil who is trying to tempt Faust with earthly pleasures. Throughout the song, he sings of the glorious possibilities that a golden calf could bring to a person, offering a life of passion and excess in return for Faust’s soul.
The lyrics of this aria describe the beauty and power of the golden calf and the promise of material wealth, love, and success it offers. While Méphistophélès cleverly paints an attractive picture, the listener must remember to look past the surface beauty and recognize the evil being promised as Faust is being asked to give up his soul for fleeting earthly riches.
The song is a reminder that although the lure of material possessions and pleasure can be strong, we should always be careful of what we give up or exchange for them. We should look not only at what can be gained, but also what is lost in the process.