Les Trois Musiciens, Pablo Picasso, 1921
Welcome Aboard "My Chanson Française"
This website is a showcase for the French “chanson” tradition and a resource for students of French language and culture.
On this site, posts on classic "chanson" artists provide:
+links to YouTube music videos in French;
+bios of the composers, lyricists and performers of songs;
+information about the origin and evolution of the songs;
+fresh translations from French to English of each song 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 with local populations.
Using This Site
This website has 4 page-levels: Home Page, About, Artist Profiles, and Songs. This Home Page provides an overview. The "About" page discusses the nature of "chanson," the structure of songs, their distinctive life-cycle, issues of song translation, and the trajectory of artistic development. The list of Artists at the bottom of this Home Page opens the door to Artist Profiles and their songs. Clicking on the name of an Artist opens the artist’s Profile. Each Artist Profile includes a clickable list of songs included in this songbook. Each song page includes an introduction to that song, 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. Alternatively, you can get a direct non-stop ticket to the Songs by going to the List of Songs Page. To return to this Home page from either an Artist or Song page, click on my photo at the top left of the page. To contact me with questions or suggestions, click the "Contact" button at the top of this 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 that provides information about France, French culture, or the artists. French language subtitles are important since sung lyrics are not always easily comprehensible. Since some videos come with no subtitles (e.g. “Un Homme et Une Femme”), this website provides original translations on the Song pages. The best approach is to scroll the translation provided while listening to the music.
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," including producers, composers and lyricists. Posts are made on this website as opportunities arise. If you enjoy your visit, bookmark the site or keep handy the URL https://www.mychansonfrancaise.com
