Meaning of "Down In The Cellars" by Al Stewart

The lyrics of "Down In The Cellars" by Al Stewart evoke a sense of timelessness and history through the metaphor of wine aging in the cellars. The reference to Jean-Luis Chave, a renowned winemaker, symbolizes the preservation of tradition and culture over centuries. The image of shadows leaving and history breathing in the bottles alludes to the idea that the past is not forgotten but lives on in the present. The mention of Cote-Rotie and Hermitage, famous wine regions in France, further emphasizes the connection between history and winemaking. The repetition of "You'll see history breathing" underscores the profound impact of the past on the present moment. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia for the passage of time and the enduring legacy of tradition.