Born Keren Ann Zeidel in Caesarea, Israel on 10th March 1974, she lived in the Netherlands and Israel until the age of eleven, when her family moved to France. Her first group, KAB (for Keren Ann Band), lasted three years. In 1997, she wrote the song "Father" for the film K by Alexandre Arcady, in which she also acted a small part. The next year, at the age of twenty-four, she formed Shelby with two other women; the group released one album and had a small success with the song "1+1+1", whose composer Benjamin Biolay became an important collaborator. In 2000 she began her solo career with La biographie de Luka Philipsen -- "Luka" in homage to the Suzanne Vega song, "Philipsen" after her maternal grandmother -- written with and produced by Biolay, who also co-wrote and -produced its follow-up, La disparition. (In return, she helped write his debut album, Rose Kennedy.) The pair also wrote several songs for Henri Salvador's best-selling, prize-winning 2000 comeback album, Chambre avec vue.
Lady & Bird is a collaboration with Bardi Johannsson of the Icelandic group Bang Gang.
Not Going Anywhere, which includes several songs from La disparition re-sung in English, was her first U.S. release, but her American breakthrough came with its follow-up, Nolita. Recorded in Paris and New York, it is named for Nolita, her neighborhood in lower Manhattan; it is sung half in French and half in English.
Jardin d'hiver
Keren Ann Lyrics
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Des dentelles et des théières
Des photos de bord de mer
Dans mon jardin d'hiver
Je voudrais de la lumière
Comme en Nouvelle-Angleterre
Je veux changer d'atmosphère
Dans mon jardin d'hiver
Ma robe à fleurs sous la pluie de novembre
Tes mains qui courent, je n'en peux plus de t'attendre
Les années passent, qu'il est loin l'âge tendre
Nul ne peut nous entendre
Je voudrais du Fred Astaire
Revoir un Latécoère
Je voudrais toujours te plaire
Dans mon jardin d'hiver
Je veux déjeuner par terre
Comme au long des golfes clairs
T'embrasser les yeux ouverts
Dans mon jardin d'hiver
Ma robe à fleurs sous la pluie de novembre
Tes mains qui courent, je n'en peux plus de t'attendre
Les années passent, qu'il est loin l'âge tendre
Nul ne peut nous entendre
The song "Jardin d'hiver" by Keren Ann is a wistful and romantic ode to a peaceful, idyllic space where the singer can escape from the harsh reality of a grey, rainy November. The lyrics convey a longing for sunshine, greenery, and delicate lace details, as well as cherished memories of bygone days. The reference to "photos de bord de mer" suggests that the singer is yearning for the beachside and the sea, while the lines "Je voudrais de la lumière / Comme en Nouvelle-Angleterre" evoke the image of a bright, crisp winter landscape.
The singer's desire for a change of atmosphere is further emphasized in the repetition of the phrase "Dans mon jardin d'hiver," which serves as a refrain throughout the song. The singer seems to be seeking a sanctuary where she can let go of her worries and simply enjoy the company of her loved one. The lines "Ma robe à fleurs sous la pluie de novembre / Tes mains qui courent, je n'en peux plus de t'attendre" express her impatience for a reunion with her partner, who is perhaps delayed by the weather.
Line by Line Meaning
Je voudrais du soleil vert
I wish for a different kind of sunshine, a green one that shines through the leaves.
Des dentelles et des théières
I want delicate lace and teapots, for a cozy and refined environment.
Des photos de bord de mer
I need some sea views in my life, even if only in pictures.
Dans mon jardin d'hiver
All of this, I desire for my winter retreat, a warm and comfortable indoor garden.
Je voudrais de la lumière
I long for the kind of light found in New England, bright and crisp.
Comme en Nouvelle-Angleterre
Just like in the New England area of the United States.
Je veux changer d'atmosphère
I need a change of atmosphere, something new to lift my spirits and inspire me.
Ma robe à fleurs sous la pluie de novembre
I am wearing my flowery dress, getting wet in the November rain.
Tes mains qui courent, je n'en peux plus de t'attendre
Your fidgeting hands make me anxious, I can't wait for you any longer.
Les années passent, qu'il est loin l'âge tendre
Time goes by, I miss the sweet and tender years of youth.
Nul ne peut nous entendre
No one can hear us, we are alone in our thoughts and longing.
Je voudrais du Fred Astaire
I wish for the elegance and grace of Fred Astaire, a true artist in dance and entertainment.
Revoir un Latécoère
I want to see once again an elegant and pleasant airplane called Latécoère.
Je voudrais toujours te plaire
I always want to be pleasing to you, to keep your love and attention.
Je veux déjeuner par terre
I want to have a picnic on the ground, like in a clear and calm seaside place.
Comme au long des golfes clairs
Just like along the clear bays and coasts.
T'embrasser les yeux ouverts
I want to kiss you with my eyes open, soaking in the moments and emotions.
Dans mon jardin d'hiver
All of these desires, for us to share in the warmth and comfort of my winter retreat.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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