What Does It Mean if Someone Says We’ll Always Have Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Have you ever heard the phrase “We’ll always have Paris”? Perhaps in a movie or a book, or maybe someone has said it to you in passing. But what does it really mean?

Origins of the Phrase

The phrase “We’ll always have Paris” originates from the 1942 film Casablanca. In the film, the character Rick (played by Humphrey Bogart) says this line to Ilsa (played by Ingrid Bergman) as they say their goodbyes. It’s a bittersweet moment as they both know that their romance cannot continue, but they will always have the memories of their time together in Paris.

The Meaning Behind the Phrase

The phrase has since become a popular idiom used to express nostalgia for a time or place that can never be revisited. It’s a recognition that even though something may be over, the memories and experiences will always stay with us.

Examples of Usage

The phrase is often used in popular culture to evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing. For example, in an episode of The Simpsons, Homer says “We’ll always have Springfield” to Marge as they reminisce about their early days together.

In another example, author John Green titled his popular young adult novel Looking For Alaska after a line from the book that reads “We were all going to die someday, but we were not dead yet and I refuse to waste any more time obsessing about Caitlin and Alaska and Jake and anything else. We were alive together, and we would make this moment last. We’ll always have now.”

Conclusion

“We’ll always have Paris” is a simple yet powerful phrase that has become a part of our cultural lexicon. It reminds us that even though things may end, the memories and experiences we shared will always stay with us. Whether it’s a past romance, a childhood home, or a favorite vacation spot, we can always look back on those moments with fondness and appreciation.