February 2020 – Page 2 – French Music into English

Bernard Lavilliers – Melody Tempo Harmony (with Jimmy Cliff)

It is one of the many songs by Bernard Lavilliers that are inspired by (and in collaboration with) another musical culture, here Jamaican reggae. [More about Bernard Lavilliers] Ses doigts longs et rapides couraient sur sa guitare Ses riffs comme des fluides transperçaient l’brouillard Puis la lumière dorée du soleil de Negril Planait sur laContinue reading “Bernard Lavilliers – Melody Tempo Harmony (with Jimmy Cliff)”

Maxime Le Forestier – Né Quelque Part

A very beautiful 80’s song about difference, inequalities and origins. It was written in a context when racism was rising in France. (I’ll explain it in the notes for those who are interested). It’s one of Maxime Le Forestier’s most famous songs, and one that gave a new start to his career. Note : forContinue reading “Maxime Le Forestier – Né Quelque Part”

Serge Gainsbourg – Initials B.B.

One of the most iconic Serge Gainsbourg songs, about one of the most iconic French actresses of all time. Brigitte Bardot, in the late 50’s and in the 60’s, was a real icon and sex symbol in France. She and Gainsbourg had a short affair together in 1967. It’s at the end of this relationshipContinue reading “Serge Gainsbourg – Initials B.B.”

Yves Simon – J’ai rêvé New York

This is one of Yves Simon’s most famous (and only famous) songs. It is also a great and poetic way to express his fascination for this huge city. Since the people mentionned in this song are not French, if you don’t know them, you can look them up and I have nothing more to addContinue reading “Yves Simon – J’ai rêvé New York”

Orelsan – Basique

I try to cover different styles so that you discover a lot of aspects of French music. So here’s a more recent track. In 2017, it is with this video (that’s quite impressing technically), and with this song, that the very famous rapper Orelsan announced that a new album was coming. This first single wasContinue reading “Orelsan – Basique”

Alain Bashung – La nuit je mens

One of his most beautiful and poignant songs, and one of his most beautiful and enigmatic lyrics, written with Jean Fauque. There’s multiple layers to these lyrics : apparently it is about love, separation and lies. But Jean Fauque himself stated that it was in fact about French Resistance during the occupation of the country,Continue reading “Alain Bashung – La nuit je mens”