In Praise of French Song

It's through long evenings with friends, personal occupations and family transmissions that a grandiose truth emerges: the French-speaking heritage of chanson - «chanson» as a genre in its own right - is exceptional.

In rock music, the lyrics are subordinate to the music; in rap music, for example, the music is subordinate to the lyrics. French chanson, on the other hand, is a stroke of genius in that, as in rock, the lyrics are to some extent subservient to the music; but these lyrics - French ones - are magnificent and often predate the music. This, in my opinion, is its artistic superiority.

No other culture has such a general passion, conscious or not, deep or not, confessed or not, for the titles that have built its musical and literary identity. And what diversity, what quality, what power, what influence!

The history of the French-speaking world as we remember it is nothing more than the reflection of The sea by Trénet, a Mistral Gagnant by Renaud, a Vladimir Ilyich by Sardou, as well as monuments as complementary as The house by the fountain by Nino Ferrer and Visit Bohemia aznavourienne. The singer-songwriter says it himself: the heights of French chanson are unattainable. «Dissect Yesterday, a great song with extraordinary music, it will never be With time by Léo Ferré. There's no question about it.»

Write to the author: jonas.follonier@leregardlibre.com