A significant facet of experience explored in the film is affairs both romantic and not so romantic. There are lyrical references to "whores," "queers," "fags," "bordellos," "whorehouses," etc. and in one instance a somewhat stylized depiction of what might go on inside "a mobile army whorehouse." There is also a reference to a case of gonorrhea.

One scene features a voluptuous woman changing into an evening gown; we see her nude from the back and topless from the front. Another scene features a woman dancing in what appears to be a see-through wedding gown.

There is archival footage of atomic bombs and concentration camps. There is a depiction of the crucified Christ with blood on the actors head and hands.

Occasionally the songs include mildly coarse language. See the section on Sex above for examples.

Beer is present as a matter of course, especially in the bar scenes. Performers drink sometimes to great excess.

Brel himself always has a cigarette and once he has a beer on the table in front of him.

One scene features a group of young people passing a joint around a campfire.