Impasse Pierre Degeyter

Who could have imagined that a humble lamplighter from this very town of Montreuil would have such a profound impact on the world? This, my friends, is Impasse Pierre Degeyter, a quiet lane named after the man who gave music to one of the most stirring anthems ever written: “The Internationale.” Pierre Degeyter, a Belgian by birth, found his calling in the heart of the workers’ movement. While living in Lille, he composed the music for “The Internationale,” setting to melody the fiery words of Eugène Pottier, a poet and activist. Imagine the scene: July 1888, at the annual fête of the Lille trade union, the powerful strains of “The Internationale” ring out for the first time. It became a rallying cry for workers around the world. Despite the song’s global reach, Degeyter faced hardship. He lost his job, was embroiled in legal battles over his own composition, and lived a life of modest means. He eventually settled here in Saint-Denis, working as a lamplighter. Perhaps, as he lit the gas lamps, he reflected on the global impact of his music. Years later, the magnitude of his contribution was recognized when Stalin himself honored him in Moscow. Impasse Pierre Degeyter, a quiet corner, stands as a testament to the man who illuminated not just streets, but also the hopes and aspirations of working people worldwide.