NOTE: I also do free French bilingual short stories (parallel texts), and I've put lots of info + links on my Home Page
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Quality lyrics Translation + Free French Lesson
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Below is the simple lyrics translation. For the French lesson (with proncunciation guide) based on these lyrics, see below left.
PART ONE Dites-moi d'où il vient Tell me where he comes from Enfin je saurais où je vais Atleast I would know where I'm heading Maman dit que lorsqu'on cherche bien Mum says that when you search hard enough On finit toujours par trouver You always end up in finding ...CONTINUED BELOW PART TWO
Elle dit qu'il n'est jamais très loin She says that he is never very far Qu'il part très souvent travailler That he often works away from home OR That he often leaves to go and work Maman dit travailler c'est bien Mum says that to work is good Bien mieux qu'être mal accompagné Much better than being in bad company Pas vrai? Yeah? (literally 'not true?') ...CONTINUED BELOW PART THREE
(bridge) Où est ton papa? Where is your dad? Dis moi où est ton papa! Tell me, where is your dad! Sans même devoir lui parler, Without even having to talk to him Il sait ce qui ne va pas. He knows what's not up. Hein sacré papa! Ah, one hell of a dad Dis moi où es-tu caché! Ça doit... Tell me, where are you hidden. That must... faire au moins mille fois que j'ai make at least a thousand times that I've Compté mes doigts Counted my fingers PART FOUR (chorus - repeated twice) Où t'es Papa?, où t'es? x3 Where are you dad? Where are you Ou t'es? Ou t'es? Où, papa, où t'es? Where are you? Where are you? Where, dad, where are you? PART FIVE Quoi, qu'on y croit ou pas Whether we believe it or not Y aura bien un jour où on n'y croira plus There will come a day when we won't believe no more Un jour où l'autre on sera tous papa One day or another we'll all be dads Et d'un jour à l'autre on aura disparu And from one day to the next, we'll all be nowhere to be seen. ((will have disappeared)) PART SIX Serons-nous détestables? Will we be detestable Serons-nous admirables? Will we be admirable Des géniteurs ou des génies? Dites nous Progenitors or geniuses? Tell us... qui donne naissance aux irresponsables who gives birth to the irresponsible ones. PART SEVEN (Alternative Bridge) Ah dites nous qui, tient, Hey there, tell us who Tout le monde sait Comment on fait des bébés Everyone knows how to make babies Mais personne sait comment on fait des papas But no-one knows how to make dads Monsieur je-sais-tout en aurait hérité, c'est ça. Mr know-it-all would have inherited the skill, just like that? ((Literally: 'it is that' but said with sarcasm)) Faut l'sucer d'son pouce ou quoi? Does he have to read it off the top of his head or what? OR Do you have to read it off the top of your head or what? ((Literally: 'does one have to suck it off ones thumb or what?' NOTE: the two expressions are similar enough)) Dites nous où c'est caché, Ça doit... Tell us where is he hidden, that must... Faire au moins mille fois qu'on a... make at least a thousand times that we've.. bouffé nos doigts gnawed at our fingers OR chowed down on our fingers OR eaten up our fingers OR (NOTE: though the first is probably the most tenuous I actually prefer it because it gives the idea of the child's anxiety. PART EIGHT (chorus - just a repeat of PART FOUR) PART NINE (bridge - just a repeat of PART THREE except this time the last line ends with "boufé mes doigts" instead of "compté mes doigts") PART TEN (chorus - Just a repeat of PART FOUR) THE END kenavo About the song Papaoutai.
Wow, where do I begin. This is the biggest, most successful French language song as an export since, well, since a very long time. French language music and the word hipster have finally collided. Recent hit all over europe and the world (over 300 million YouTube hits) by Stromae, the now established king of electro-urban-geek music. Papaoutai has a very strong lyrical narrative, if not message (as do all of Stromae's songs). It is about a boy who is under the illusion that his dad is still a good dad, even though he is never there, due mostly to the fact that his mom has cast a web of white lies to protect her son's feelings, like saying his dad has to work away from home a lot, and that he knows all about the boy's problems, even though the two have not talked in such a long time. But the child suspects something's up; first he counts his fingers as if it is a giant game of hide and seek. Then later on he naws at his fingers in anxiety. All through this he is crying out, "where are you, dad!?" [Papa ou t'ai?] though at first, I imagine, it is part of the game but later on he is crying out in desperation. NOTE; This song was covered by Pentatonix who helped bring it into the mainstream anglo-american shared consciousness. (jeeze, that was an ugly sentence. Still, I'm not changing it) DO YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO
My Spotify Playlists of French Language music Now for a musical interlude. I've done a Spotify (French Lesson Songs) playlist which contains all the songs from which I've based all my free French language song lessons. Listen to the playlist then do the lessons. That might help. You can also listen to my Spotify playlist of all the French language songs that I listen to when I'm working on this site, just to get me in the mood. It's a long one so listen to it on shuffle mode and you'll get the best French music radio station that never was. Not signed up to Spotify yet? Its free and you can listen to pretty much any music out-there so why dawdle. I basically live on it when writing. See also my Spotify Playlist of Spanish Language Songs. and My playlist of the top 100 French Language Songs of All Time THE TOP TEN MOST INTERESTING French Language Music Artists Since 2000 French language music has always had a bit of a reputation for being naff among English speaking peoples. To rebuke those accusations I therefore present some shockingly good modern era music artists (Frenchies who still sing in French, who'd have thought..). The list is accompanied with individually playable YouTube videos so you can quickly sample and decide for yourselves. I have also written a ditty on each artist, not that anyone reads now-a-days. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Stromea Alors On Danse (2013) This is the song that started it all off for Stromea. I used to flick on the music channels when drinking my bowl of coffee in the mornings and when this song came out, it was on EVERY morning for what felt like a year. It became one of those songs that would play in my head all day long. Be careful, it may have the same effect on you. Ps. In the lesson you'll witness how I trash almost every other translation of this song that exists! FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Edith Piaf Je Ne Regrette Rien (1960) Probably the only French song that the average Joe knows. Well, at least it's a good one. Emotionally charged and yet short and simple song, and hence good for beginners. No extremely metaphorical lyrics, just nice and direct, which helps. FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin Je T'aime... Moi Non Plus (1969) Very very naughty. The controversial French lyrical genius begat a controversial sexy French song. You all know this one so there's not much more for me to add... except, if you thought it was a tad risqué beforehand, just wait until you understand the 'ins and outs' (ha ha!/ lol) of the lyrics. FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Claude François Comme D'habitude (1967) Confession: I hate every song this artist ever did except this one which was truly a chef d'oeuvre. After being seen on TV by a Canadian artist, the song was bought and its lyrics re-written in English once the song had been given totally different theme. The finished product was then sung by Frank Sinatra and thus was born: 'I Did It My Way' FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Indila Dernière Danse (2014) This was on the free to view music channels every morning for the whole of spring 2014. A hit that came out of nowhere which now has 73 million YouTube hits. Vevo wouldn't let me use the official video so I used an excellent remix in place. (burn-Vevo-burn) FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Zaz Je Veux (2010) This was the song that led to Zaz becoming Frances top selling artist abroad in 2010 (or was it another year?) The album from which it came (called Zaz as it happens) ranked high in the charts all over Europe (except, of course, the UK). Simple but potent lyrics whose meaning hit home with me. Plenty of slang phrases within so if you need to work on that then this is your song. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Benjamin Biolay Ton Héritage (2009) Modern Classic chanson Française. One man, one piano, one haunting tune, and a bunch of stirring lines. This one always gives me goose pimples when I hear it on the radio. The word for word translations are there but I have left it light on the grammar notes. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Jacques Brel Ne Me Quitte Pas (1959) This song is considered by many to be the all time greatest chanson française that has ever existed. Always at the top of meta-critic polls and a personal favorite of my own (I only do songs that I like). It's an oldie (circa 1959) and yet so timeless... P.s. I have done the phonetics for this one FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate-Advanced Level Malicorne Le Luneux (1977?) From the album Almanach, this traditional French folk song reconstructed by the experimental headonism of Malicorne in the late seventies will make you shiver with delight. I'm not sure whether the melody came from another song, but who cares when it's this good. Some oldie style wording but my notes will help you understand it. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate-Advanced Level Olivia Ruiz La Femme Chocolat (2006) Unique voice, unique style of music, unique lyrics and unique looks help this artist stand far out from the often samey nouvelle scene crowd. This particular song demonstrates well her quirkiness with lyrics that are just damnright trippy. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Serge Lama Je Suis Malade (1973) Possibly the most melancholic song in the history of mankind... and I love it. It's all about the words dude and Mr Lama paints such a stark yet poignant picture with them that you can't help putting yourself in his boots. Get a glass of whisky, light up cigarette and think of the lovers that have hurt you... you are now ready for this lesson. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate-Advanced Brigitte A Bouche Que Veut-Tu (2014) If you were to ask me who I'm mostly listening to these days my honest answer would be Brigitte. This pair of super hipster femmes fatales found success late in the game but there making up for it now. This particular track never fails to hit the sweet spot. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Charles Aznavour La Bohème (1965) If ever I'm feeling down there is always one song guaranteed to sooth my soul. This one. The song so beautifully describes the life of poor Parisian artists scraping a living together and finding comfort in each other and their own art that you'll feel like you are sharing the experience with them. Aznavour himself was born to Armenian immigrants but has attained legendary status to the point that you'll find him written within the DNA of every French man, woman and child alive. FREE FRENCH LESSON Intermediate Level Charles Trenet Douce France (1947) It may be old but despite the age gap many of you will will be familiar with this song, particularly the melody. Hands up, I find many of the songs from this period a bit samey but a few by Charles Trenet stand out from the crowd. The reasons you should get to know this particular song yourselves are two fold. First, this song is almost a national anthem packed with nostalgia enriched images of France at it's most chocolate box period. Second, despite his idiosyncratic singing style, Trenet enunciates well so you'll be able to follow what he's singing with ease. FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level Gilbert Bécaud Et Maintenant (1961) Be prepared for pain, passion and anger... and then some. If you watch the clip I chose of Bécaud singing this song live, then you'll find it hard to believe that he hasn't just come straight from a mental asylum. However, when you start to understand the bitter words spat forth you'll come to realize his genius in capturing the feeling of utter rejection that most of us have experienced at least once in our lives. Watch the madness in the eyes... FREE FRENCH LESSON Beginner-Intermediate Level La Godinette OR Gael Lefevere + Nicolas Quemener J'étais Lassée D’être Jeune Fille (????) When Gael Lefevere, the guy responsible for introducing me to the real French music scene, had interpreted this traditional Breton song with fellow musician Nicolas Quemener, I remembered thinking to myself that it was possibly the most moving piece of French language music I had ever come across. Like all songs from this region of France, the lyrics are hard and biting, yet all the more interesting for it, and you'll see just how deep the Celtic roots run in listening to the original version by La Godinette, a version that I have also come to love. Now it's your turn. Who is Stromae?
(based on personal knowledge and Wikipedia page)
THE TOP TEN MOST INTERESTING French Language Music Artists Since 2000 French language music has always had a bit of a reputation for being naff among English speaking peoples. To rebuke those accusations I therefore present some shockingly good modern era music artists (Frenchies who still sing in French, who'd have thought..). The list is accompanied with individually playable YouTube videos so you can quickly sample and decide for yourselves. I have also written a ditty on each artist, not that anyone reads now-a-days. YOUTUBE VIDS LIST (WITH REVIEWS) OF The 100 All Time Best French Language Songs (Chansons Françaises) Ever See my list of what I believe, as serious connoiseur, to be the best French language songs ever (with learning the the French Language and Culture in mind) but which are specifically chosen to suite anglophone tastes. The list is accompanied with individually playable YouTube videos so you can quickly sample and decide for yourselves (god, I love copy and paste.) Slowly doing write-ups for each. Spotify and Deezer playlists on page. THE WHY AND HOW: Using Les Chansons Francaises (French language songs) to Learn French. Read my article explaining why and how... oh... I've just said that. I may go off on a folly with this article but what I say within (when I eventually get to the point) could change your current methods of learning French for the better. Also: detailed look at Irony vs atlantic drift. ONE-STOP LINKS AND REVIEWS FOR The Best French Radio Stations for Learning French Want to listen to French Radio Stations but don't know where to start? Want some advice on which is the best for you? Want a webpage that acts like a gateway and guiding hand at the same time? Well, you've found the one link to rule them all, the one link to find them, the one link to link them all, and in cyberspace bind them. Now that's what I call bad-ass poetry! (Suck on that one keats) HOW TO WATCH Live 'Free to View' French TV Channels Online from Abroad In the 21st Century, language, culture and television are very closely associated. If you can't be there then the next best thing is to see and hear what those that are are watching. Your ability to understand oral French will undergo a paradigm shift within just a few hundred hours of french tv watching. Yes, I know that sounds like Chinese water torture but there are a few gems to look out for so.. let me be your guide young padawan. MY SPOTIFY AND DEEZER PLAYLISTS OF Modern Era French Music Artists And Songs Did you find my playlist of the top 100 French Language Songs of all time too old fashioned, too melancholic? Here's the remedy. This is my personal playlist of modern french language music and it goes from mainstream pop to left-field hipster. It's like what French music radio stations would be like if you took out all the 80's anglophone music and then gave it taste. French music can be... good? ALL BY MY SELF... DON'T WANNA BE... Hints & Tips for Learning French as a Self Study Topic Going it alone can be a daunting challenge so why not take a little advice from those that have already crossed that bridge. Stand on the shoulders of vertically challenged people, that's what I say No dwarfs were harmed during the writing of this article CONJUGATE THIS FOTHER MUCKER Rundown of the French Verb Tenses and Moods I noticed that there was very little on the web giving a brief yet comprehensive rundown of these French verb tense-moods as I like to call them. Even less showing the use of them with examples. Shall we consider this lacune filled now? THE SLIPPERY FISH OF CONJUGATION RIVER The French Imperfect Tense (l'imparfait) There is one barrier left between you and near comprehension of French texts: L'Imparfait. ...and so welcome to my rule of thumb rule on how to translate this tense when you come across it in your readings. Examples given will help you understand... hopefully. THIS TIME, NOTHING TO DO WITH FRENCH Hangman (my first ever short story) Posted at Booksie. I wrote this for English learners as I wanted to do a lesson based on a short story that wasn't one of those public domain classics, which although good, can be a bit complicated and old-fashioned. Once finished, and to my horror, I realized that my carefully crafted creation was rather old-fashioned and quite the bit complicated. Still, I think it's good but then again I would say that, wouldn't I. Plot twist is free, but the broken fourth wall is non-refundable.
Note: all of these are linked to the official videos found at YouTube. Some of the links may be broken due to the fact that rights aren't fully extended to some countries. In this case, click the [LV] links to the side (where available) which are links to fan made lyrics videos and thus more reliable. The latter are better for learning French anyway.
Camille
Stromae Indila Fauve (don't try the Fauve videos unless you're at an advanced level) Olivia Ruiz Shy'm Superbus
Tal Tété Louise Attaque Gaëtan Roussel Calogero
Vanessa Paradis Mélanie Pain Indochine Abd Al Malik Raphael Sexion D'Assaut 1995 (advanced level lyrics) Coeur de Pirate Tryo Brigitte M
Stanislas Calogero + Stanislas Anais Zazie
Renan Luce Zaz Féfé BB Brunes Helmut Fritz Katerine |