Bonjour: et puis quelles nouvelles ?
Amarcord Lyrics


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Bon jour, et puis, quelles nouvelles?
N′en sçauroit on de vous avoir?
S'en brief ne m′en faictes sçavoir,
J'en feray de toutes nouvelles.

Puis que vous estes si rebelles,
Bon vespre, bonn nuict, bon soir,
Bon jour!

Mais si vous cueillez des groyselles,
Envoyez m'en; car, pour tout voir,
Je suis gros: mais c′est de vous veoir




Quelcque matin, mes damoyselles;
Bon jour!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Bonjour: et puis quelles nouvelles?" by Amarcord are in French and the song is a traditional chanson that may have originated in the 16th century. The title translates to "Hello: and what news?" and the first line of the song is a greeting followed by a question asking for news. The second line is a query as to whether any news has been heard from the person being addressed. The third line is a request to reply quickly with any news, followed by a promise to make that news into other news.


The fourth and fifth lines are a mild reprimand for the lack of news, followed by cordial greetings for the evening, night, and morning. The sixth line is an amusing request for blackberries, with the explanation that the singer is big (presumably meaning hungry) and would like some sent to them. The seventh line expresses a desire to see the ladies in question one morning, and concludes with a final "Bonjour!"


The lyrics to this song may seem simple or even nonsensical on one level, but they actually serve as a charming example of old-fashioned French courting behavior, where a young man might use poems and songs to express his admiration for a young lady. The song is structured as a repartee, with the woman playing hard-to-get and the man persistently trying to win her favor. The whimsical references to blackberries and news are a way of showing off the singer's wit and charm, while also making playful requests for attention and affection.


Line by Line Meaning

Bon jour, et puis, quelles nouvelles?
Hello, and then, what's new?


N′en sçauroit on de vous avoir?
Can we not hear any news from you?


S'en brief ne m′en faictes sçavoir,
If not briefly let me know,


J'en feray de toutes nouvelles.
I'll make all of the news out of it.


Puis que vous estes si rebelles,
Since you are being so rebellious,


Bon vespre, bonn nuict, bon soir,
Good evening, goodnight, good-bye,


Bon jour!
Good day!


Mais si vous cueillez des groyselles,
But if you're picking currants,


Envoyez m'en; car, pour tout voir,
Send some to me; because, to be honest,


Je suis gros: mais c′est de vous veoir
I am big: but it's because of seeing you,


Quelcque matin, mes damoyselles;
Some morning, my ladies;


Bon jour!
Good day!




Writer(s): Orlando Di Lasso

Contributed by Stella A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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