He samples "Laisse Tomber Les Filles," a 1964 track by France Gall.
For fans, the song has become a staple of his "dark R&B" roots. Even over a decade later, when he performed in the city during his After Hours Til Dawn Tour , local fans described the performance of "Montreal" as a "spiritual experience" and a long-awaited reconciliation with the city. The Weeknd – Montreal Lyrics - Genius the_weeknd_montreal
"Montreal" tells the story of a woman who realizes too late that she was truly in love with him, only to find he has already moved on and become emotionally unavailable. He samples "Laisse Tomber Les Filles," a 1964
One of the most distinctive elements of the song is its bridge, which features The Weeknd singing in French—a nod to Montreal's cultural heritage. The Weeknd – Montreal Lyrics - Genius "Montreal"
The song is widely believed to be inspired by a real-life relationship with a woman named Alice Ustinova, often identified as the "Valerie" mentioned throughout his Trilogy era.
The sampled French lyrics—"Laisse tomber les filles, un jour c’est toi qu’on laissera" (Leave the girls alone, one day it’s you who will be left)—act as a prophetic warning to the protagonist.
The story of the song is one of the most haunting chapters in The Weeknd's early career, representing a period of deep emotional turmoil and artistic evolution. Released on his 2011 mixtape Echoes of Silence , the track marks a departure from his previous Toronto-based sound, having been recorded while he was staying in Montreal. The Inspiration Behind the Track
