Chasse-spleen is a unique and poetic French compound noun that literally translates to "spleen-chaser" or "spleen-hunter". "Spleen" in this context refers to a state of melancholic depression or ennui, a concept famously explored by Baudelaire.
In the song, the line "Je vide une cuvée de chasse-spleen" (I empty a vintage of spleen-chaser) suggests the act of consuming something, perhaps wine or a drink, to ward off sadness or melancholy. It's a sophisticated and evocative word that captures a very French sensibility of dealing with existential blues.
Picture two ex-lovers scribbling late-night letters they never send, wrapped in memories that feel as heavy as a winter coat. In "On Attendra L'hiver," French indie-pop poet Julien Doré paints a cinematic scene of half-empty wine bottles, borrowed navy pullovers, and words that never quite reach the other person. Every "Puisque" sets up a new reason why the narrator keeps circling back to the same ache: he still feels her perfume, still hears her language, still wants to fight for their love even if it means wrestling ghosts.
The chorus becomes a bittersweet promise: "We will wait for winter to write that we miss each other." Winter stands for honesty, the moment when distractions freeze and feelings finally surface. Until then, time stretches painfully long, and both lovers hide behind seasons, cities, and foreign tongues. Doré’s song is both a confession and a delay, capturing that universal tension between wanting to move on and craving one last heartfelt message.