Alain Souchon (born May 27, 1944, Casablanca, Morocco) is a French pop sing… Read Full Bio ↴Alain Souchon (born May 27, 1944, Casablanca, Morocco) is a French pop singer, songwriter and actor. He has released 15 albums and has played roles in seven films.

Souchon signed his first contract in 1971, but had no success until he began to collaborate with composer/arranger Laurent Voulzy ; they would write together, but each released albums under his own name. Souchon's first hit was "J'ai 10 ans" (1974), from the album of the same name. Souchon's biggest hit was probably "Foule Sentimentale" from 1995's C'est Deja ca. His recent album is from 2005, called La Vie Theodore which features his song "Et si en plus, y'a personne" [What if, even more, there is no one], a song condemning religious intolerance.

He wrote the theme for François Truffaut's 1979 film Love on the Run (L'amour en fuite).

Debussy Gabriel Fauré
Alain Souchon Lyrics

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Elle joue sous des lambris dorés
Debussy, Gabriel Fauré
Verre de Venise, cuir de Russie
Gabriel Fauré, Debussy
Des pavanes qui s'écoutent assis

Gabriel Fauré, Debussy
Toujours à leur piano fourrés

Debussy, Gabriel Fauré
Nous nous sentions accaparés
Debussy, Gabriel Fauré
Berry Chuck, Hallyday Johnny
Gabriel Fauré, Debussy

Nos princesses blondes décolorées
Debussy, Gabriel Fauré
Nous écoutent que dans les taxis
Gabriel Fauré, Debussy
Sonate en ré si maman, si
Gabriel Fauré, Debussy
Qui donc a pu nous séparer?
Debussy, Gabriel Fauré
C'est vrai faubourg, St Honoré
Debussy, Gabriel Fauré
C'est loin de Memphis, Tennessee
Gabriel Fauré, Debussy

Belles cessez de nous ignorer
Debussy, Gabriel Fauré
On fait de la musique aussi
Gabriel Fauré, Debussy
J'irai en jean troué à Pleyel
Debussy, Fauré Gabriel
Venez en robe longue à Bercy
Gabriel Fauré, Debussy

Mais belle Hélène, la lutte des classes

Mais belle Hélène, la lutte des classes
On sait où ça nous mène hélas

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Alain Souchon's song "Debussy Gabriel Fauré" portray a nostalgic reflection on the golden age of classical music, represented by the composers Claude Debussy and Gabriel Fauré. The song describes a luxurious setting with golden paneled walls and mentions Venetian glass and Russian leather, creating an image of opulence and refinement. The mention of "pavanes," a slow, stately dance, emphasizes the calm and composed atmosphere in which the music is enjoyed.

The lyrics also highlight the dedication of Debussy and Fauré to their craft, as they are constantly found at their pianos. The singer feels a sense of being captivated by their music, entwined with the melodies and harmonies created by these esteemed composers. The mention of Charles Berry and Johnny Hallyday, well-known musicians from different genres, juxtaposes the classical world with popular music, acknowledging the influence and reach of both.

The second verse mentions "blond-dyed princesses" who only listen to these composers in taxis, suggesting that they may not fully appreciate the depth and beauty of their music. The mention of Fauré's Sonata in D major reflects his prominent work in the genre. The idea of separation is introduced, with the lyrics questioning who could have separated the singer and his companion, referencing the fashionable and affluent neighborhoods of Paris, such as Faubourg Saint Honoré.

The song then takes a slightly satirical turn, as it encourages the beautiful women to not ignore the singer and his companion, as they too make music. The lyrics playfully suggest that the singer would go to the prestigious Pleyel concert hall in torn jeans, while the women should dress in long gowns to attend a concert at the Bercy Arena, known for hosting popular music shows. The final lines repeat the phrase "But beautiful Hélène, the class struggle" twice, indicating the realization that despite the beauty and splendor of this world, there is still a division caused by social classes, and the singer acknowledges the consequences that come with it.

Line by Line Meaning

Elle joue sous des lambris dorés
She plays under golden paneling

Debussy, Gabriel Fauré
Influential composers, Debussy and Gabriel Fauré

Verre de Venise, cuir de Russie
Venetian glass, Russian leather

Gabriel Fauré, Debussy
Gabriel Fauré, Debussy

Des pavanes qui s'écoutent assis
Pavanes that are listened to while sitting

Toujours à leur piano fourrés
Always hidden at their piano

Nous nous sentions accaparés
We felt monopolized

Berry Chuck, Hallyday Johnny
Berry Chuck, Hallyday Johnny

Nos princesses blondes décolorées
Our bleached blonde princesses

Nous écoutent que dans les taxis
Only listen to us in taxis

Sonate en ré si maman, si
Sonata in D major, yes mommy, yes