Bertie Higgins – A Nostalgic Romance in “Casablanca”
Bertie Higgins’ “Casablanca” is a beautifully nostalgic tribute to classic romance, evoking the mystique and glamour of old Hollywood. Released in 1982 as part of his album Just Another Day in Paradise, the song became an international hit, reaching audiences worldwide with its enchanting, cinematic quality. Inspired by the iconic 1942 film Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, Higgins’ track captures the essence of timeless love and the bittersweet longing of separation, making it resonate with listeners who yearn for a romance as dramatic and enduring as the one on the silver screen.
The lyrics of “Casablanca” paint a vivid picture of love that transcends time and place, as Higgins compares his own romance to that of Rick and Ilsa, the unforgettable couple in the classic film. From the opening line, “I fell in love with you watching Casablanca,” the song transports listeners to a world of smoky nightclubs, Parisian charm, and wartime passion. Higgins uses references to the film’s plot to evoke the feeling of an impossible love, complicated by circumstance yet beautiful in its intensity. The line “The kiss is still a kiss in Casablanca” alludes to one of the most famous moments in cinema, a kiss symbolic of love unfulfilled but unforgettable.
Musically, “Casablanca” leans into its theme with soft, tropical-inspired instrumentation and a smooth, flowing rhythm that evokes the warmth and allure of distant shores. The melody is soothing and romantic, with hints of nostalgia that make the listener feel as if they, too, are reminiscing about a love lost to time. Higgins’ gentle vocal delivery perfectly matches the song’s reflective mood, creating a tender and intimate experience for the listener. The arrangement, with its soft drums, saxophone accents, and melodic piano, creates a dreamy atmosphere that allows the listener to drift back to the golden age of cinema.
Higgins, a Florida-born singer-songwriter, was deeply influenced by the classic films and stories his mother would share with him, and “Casablanca” became his love letter to one of Hollywood’s greatest romances. Though the song is drenched in romanticism, there’s a sense of melancholy that runs through it, mirroring the bittersweet ending of the movie. The repeated refrain, “Play it again,” is a direct nod to one of the most famous (and often misquoted) lines associated with the film, encapsulating the desire to relive a fleeting, perfect moment of love.
While “Casablanca” found its biggest success in international markets, particularly in Asia and parts of Europe, it remains a beloved piece of Higgins’ discography in the United States, cherished by those who appreciate its dreamy, retro quality. In a musical landscape often dominated by fast-paced hits, “Casablanca” stands out for its dedication to storytelling and its homage to an era of romance that feels timeless and universal. The song taps into that universal fantasy of love that is both passionate and eternal, a love that feels larger than life itself.
Today, “Casablanca” continues to hold a special place in the hearts of listeners, often featured in nostalgic playlists and romantic retrospectives. It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling, of how music and movies together can create an emotional tapestry that takes us beyond the everyday. Whether you’re a fan of classic cinema or simply enjoy a well-crafted love song, Bertie Higgins’ “Casablanca” invites you to imagine yourself in a world where love and sacrifice intertwine against a timeless, cinematic backdrop.