This great song, written by Alain Souchon and composed by Laurent Voulzy as usual, is a “mix” of great English or American rock songs and artists, meant as a tribute. Most of these standards have already been covered numerous times by French people (with their lyrics translated into French) but this is the first timeContinue reading “Laurent Voulzy – Rockollection”
Category Archives: Themes of music
Barbara – Dis, quand reviendras-tu ?
It is one of the most beautiful songs by “the Lady in Black”. And could there be a more perfect song than this in this time of global lockdown, when we all miss some other people in other places ? Even though my translation is not perfect (it never is, but especially this one), pleaseContinue reading “Barbara – Dis, quand reviendras-tu ?”
Boris Vian – Le Déserteur
This is Boris Vian’s most famous song, and a hymn for pacifists and antimilitarists around the world. The song was created in the very delicate context of the end of the Indochina war (1946-1954) and the beginning of the Algerian war (1954-1962). During these decolonisation wars, many young French men were sent to war toContinue reading “Boris Vian – Le Déserteur”
Jean Ferrat – Ma France
When I was a kid, I read a great children’s book about the life of a little girl who discovers she is a witch. And at one point in the story, her dad wakes her up during the night, takes her with him in his car, and begins to drive with no precise direction, justContinue reading “Jean Ferrat – Ma France”
Indochine – Trois nuits par semaine
A catchy music with a touch of new wave, a modern approach of relationships : this song had everything to please 80’s French youth and become a party classic, and it did. The 80’s more generally are very well represented in French parties and their success is still undisputed. [More about Indochine] I chose thisContinue reading “Indochine – Trois nuits par semaine”
Françoise Hardy – Message personnel
This beautiful song was written by Michel Berger (lyrics and music), except the spoken introduction, that was written by Françoise Hardy herself. It is apparently a discreet hint to Véronique Sanson, who had left Michel Berger a year before. The loved one is described as a person far away, yet very close. This person isContinue reading “Françoise Hardy – Message personnel”
Michel Berger – La groupie du pianiste
This is one of his most well-known songs, the first one that made him famous as a singer (he was already famous as a songwriter). The title says it all, it is about a girl’s fascination for a musician. [More about Michel Berger] Elle passe ses nuits sans dormir À gâcher son bel avenir LaContinue reading “Michel Berger – La groupie du pianiste”
Charles Aznavour – Comme ils disent
This song, out in the 70’s, was a real provocation at the time, as homosexuality was still a taboo – even though it’s in fact legal in France since 1791 ! It was still very underground and certainly not something to say publicly. And Aznavour, who was not even gay but had numerous gay friendsContinue reading “Charles Aznavour – Comme ils disent”
Trust – Antisocial
Their biggest hit, adaptated in English and covered by several famous bands. It’s a quite angry song, you don’t need the lyrics to understand that ! But I’m a nice and devoted person so here they are 😉 Tu bosses toute ta vie pour payer ta pierre tombale Tu masques ton visage en lisant leContinue reading “Trust – Antisocial”
Véronique Sanson – Amoureuse
One of her most beautiful songs, and the title track of her first album, out in 1972. According to Françoise Hardy, this album (produced by Michel Berger) was pivotal in the definition of a new era of French pop songs, far away from the “yé-yé” style. I included a live version to give you anContinue reading “Véronique Sanson – Amoureuse”
French Music into English 