Les Trois Musiciens, Pablo Picasso, 1921
Welcome Aboard "My Chanson Française!"
This website is essentially a songbook with two purposes: 1) bring classics of the French “chanson” tradition to wider publics and deepen appreciation for the artists and their songs, and 2) assist learners in French language acquisition by providing fresh translations and notes about the songs. Regarding the latter, the goal is not to teach French, but to elucidate "chansons" in belief that understanding nourishes enjoyment. The site engages cognitive, visual and audio material in an exploration of the world of "chanson."
On this site, regular posts on classic "chanson" artists will provide:
+links to YouTube music videos in French and with French subtitles that allow listeners to read the words along with the music;
+informative bios of the composers, lyricists and performers of songs;
+information about the origin and evolution of the songs;
+fresh translation of each song from French to English along with notes to clarify unfamiliar words and expressions.Music can be an integral part of a foreign language learning experience. Music infects the ear and brain with melodies, rhythms, words and expressions, thereby easing language absorption. Classics of the French “chanson” tradition also provide a window into broader French culture and are an effective conversational bridge to cross-cultural communication.
Music can be an integral part of a foreign language learning experience. Music infects the ear and brain with melodies, rhythms, words and expressions, thereby easing language absorption. Classics of the French “chanson” tradition also provide a window into broader French culture and therefore can be an effective conversational bridge to cross-cultural communication with local populations. More generally, elements of music have demonstrated positive effects on both physiology and overall brain health.
How to Use This Site
This website has 3 page "levels:" Home, Artist Profile, and Songs. Clicking on the name of an Artist in the columns below produces the artist’s Profile. At the bottom of the Artist Profile there is a clickable list of the artist’s songs that are included in this songbook. Each Song page includes an introduction, a YouTube link, and a translation from French to English, plus notes clarifying difficult words or passages. You can easily listen to the YouTube music while scrolling the lyrics and translation below. Alternatively, you can get a direct non-stop ticket to the Songs by clicking on the List of Song Pages below. To return to this Home page from either an Artist or Song page, click on the square photo of me at the top of the page. The text material on artists and songs has its own rewards, and listening to the music in combination with translations assists comprehension. It is also possible to simply listen to the music, tune out and dream of France. For more information about the site or about me, click “About” in the navigation bar at the top of the page.
Music Videos
Each song typically has several videos on YouTube. The videos selected for this songbook are based on three criteria: audio quality, French subtitles, and visual material. High audio quality encourages learners to view/listen to songs that are enjoyable. French language subtitles are important since sung lyrics are not always easily comprehensible. Reading French subtitles along with listening to the words facilitates absorption of words, expressions and pronunciation. Sometimes, other language subtitles also appear on the videos, but that is collateral baggage. Some videos come with no subtitles at all (e.g. “Un Homme et Une Femme”). Finally, preference is given to videos that include visual material about France, French culture, or the artists. Some videos include only album cover shots that provide little information. Others are live performances that show performers in action. Still others have vintage or contemporary visuals that portray aspects of French culture and augment learning.
The best way to use this songbook for language learning is to become acquainted with the songs, tunes, and melodies. Follow the French subtitles so the words fit comfortably with the music. Check the translation tables for unfamiliar words and expressions.
Translations
A purpose of this songbook is to assist learners to grasp French words and language. I make my own translations. Song translation is both art and science. In general, translations are either literal or poetic. Translations that are too literal (word-for-word) can impede comprehension since similar words may have different meaning. More interpretive (poetic) translations, on the other hand, can stray so far from the original words that they contribute little to language learning. I try to thread a middle path between strict but arid translation and more creative interpretation that is untethered from the original language. When possible, I choose English words that resemble the French ones to create an association in the mind of the learner. When that doesn’t work, I sometimes re-formulate. It is often difficult to fathom, much less express, the intended meaning of lyrics written by songwriters of strong poetic disposition like Leo Ferré and Jacques Brel, or those like Serge Gainsbourg who deliberately employ ambiguity and wordplay.
The Artists (and Other Players)
The artists presented here represent a selection of “chansonniers” from the “golden age” of French "chanson" during the post-WWII period. It also includes a select list of other key players in the story of French "chanson" like producers, composers and lyricists. Exclusions reflect personal taste and limitations of time and space. The roster of artists and songs will expand over time.
The Songs
This website is organized primarily by artist profiles (above). If you wish to go straight to the music, click on this searchable List of Song Pages and then click on the French name of the song (alpha order by name of song).
This website is organized primarily by artist profiles (above). If you wish to go straight to the music, click on this searchable List of Song Pages and then click on the French name of the song (alpha order by name of song).
FRANCIS CABREL "TROBADOR TOUR" JUNE 2024
The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles, CA / Tuesday, June 4, 8 PM
Fox Theater, Oakland, CA / Thursday, June 6, 8 PM
Knight Concert Hall, Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami / Sat June 8, 8 PM
Town Hall, New York, NY, / Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 8 PM
The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles, CA / Tuesday, June 4, 8 PM
Fox Theater, Oakland, CA / Thursday, June 6, 8 PM
Knight Concert Hall, Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami / Sat June 8, 8 PM
Town Hall, New York, NY, / Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 8 PM
FOR TICKETS, VISIT "FRANCE ROCKS" WEBSITE.