He described the song as a memory tied to the secondary effects of cocaine use , which he eventually quit in 1984. He famously spoke of the "insomnie agressive" (aggressive insomnia) and the grinding jaws that accompanied those long, drug-fueled nights.
The inspiration for the song stems from a real-world experience during Sheller's 1982 tour. While out with his musicians in the , Sheller observed the "night owls"—young men and women wandering the streets as the sun began to rise.
William Sheller – Les Filles de l'aurore - Pop Music Deluxe
Beyond the visual inspiration, the song carries a deeper, more personal weight. Sheller later revealed that the track was heavily influenced by his own struggles during that period:
Musically, "Les Filles de l'aurore" was built from the remains of a previous project, Saint-Exupéry Airway , which had been pulled from sale following a legal dispute with the Saint-Exupéry estate. Musical Style and Impact
Classified under the (symphonic rock) genre, the song highlights Sheller's classical training. It features intricate arrangements, with contributions from his frequent collaborator, violinist Catherine Lara .
The Night Watch: Unveiling "Les Filles de l'Aurore" by William Sheller
