During the course of her career she employed numerous unusual musical styles, melting rock and roll, folk, free jazz, spoken word poetry and world rhythms. She collaborated with such celebrated musicians as Jean-Claude Vannier, Areski, Jacques Higelin, Sonic Youth, Stereolab, Noir Désir, Grace Jones, Gotan Project, Archie Shepp, Arno, Georges Moustaki and Art Ensemble of Chicago.
Ali
Brigitte Fontaine Lyrics
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Croissant chaud,
Coeur à prendre
Au lasso
Svelte page
Facétieux,
Chat sauvage
Tu es doux
Et brutal,
Tu es loup
Et serval.
Boucles folles
Sur le nez,
Tu affoles
Les curés.
Âge tendre,
Croissant chaud,
Coeur à prendre
Au lasso
Aristo
Banlieusard,
Hidalgo
Et bâtard
Nonchalant,
Tu t'endors
Sur le banc
Criblé d'or.
La vapeur
De tes yeux
Va sans peur
Vers le feu.
Âge tendre,
Croissant chaud,
Coeur à prendre
Au lasso
Prince pâle,
Bon à rien,
Boréal,
Maghrébin
R.E.R.,
Dans la nuit,
C'est l'enfer
Et tu ris.
Dents de lait,
Dents de fer,
Chatelet,
Château d'air.
The lyrics of Brigitte Fontaine's song "Ali" tell the story of a young man who is both gentle and fierce, wild and domesticated, and who captures the hearts of many. The song begins with the lines "Âge tendre, Croissant chaud, Coeur à prendre Au lasso" which can be translated to "Tender age, warm croissant, Heart to catch with a lasso." This verse suggests that the young man is like a sweet, warm croissant that is too tempting to resist, but also implies that he is not easy to capture.
The second verse describes the young man as "Svelte page Facétieux, Chat sauvage Aux longs yeux" which means "Slender page, mischievous cat with long eyes." This metaphor further highlights the young man's contradictory nature; he is both slender and agile like a page but also mischievous and unpredictable like a cat. The rest of the song continues in the same vein, depicting the young man as someone who is both charming and dangerous, and who captivates those around him with his wildness and unpredictability.
Overall, "Ali" is a poignant reflection on the duality of human nature and the allure of danger and unpredictability. The lyrics are full of metaphor and imagery, painting a vivid picture of a young man who is both enchanting and formidable.
Line by Line Meaning
Âge tendre,
Youthful age
Croissant chaud,
Warm and fresh croissant
Coeur à prendre
Au lasso
Heart to be captured by someone
Svelte page
Slender person
Facétieux,
Playful
Chat sauvage
Aux longs yeux
Wild cat with long eyes
Tu es doux
You are gentle
Et brutal,
And rough
Tu es loup
You are a wolf
Et serval.
And a savannah cat
Boucles folles
Sur le nez,
Crazy curls on the nose
Tu affoles
Les curés.
You drive the priests wild
Aristo
Aristocrat
Banlieusard,
Suburbanite
Hidalgo
Et bâtard
Nobleman and bastard
Nonchalant,
Unconcerned
Tu t'endors
Sur le banc
Criblé d'or.
You fall asleep on a bench covered in gold
La vapeur
De tes yeux
Va sans peur
Vers le feu.
The steam from your eyes goes fearlessly towards the fire
Prince pâle,
Pale prince
Bon à rien,
Good for nothing
Boréal,
Maghrébin
Northern and Maghreb
R.E.R.,
Rapid transit system in Paris region
Dans la nuit,
In the night
C'est l'enfer
Et tu ris.
It's hell and you laugh
Dents de lait,
Dents de fer,
Baby teeth, iron teeth
Chatelet,
Château d'air.
Châtelet, air castle
Âge tendre,
Youthful age
Croissant chaud,
Warm and fresh croissant
Coeur à prendre
Au lasso
Heart to be captured by someone
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Fontaine Brigitte, Belkacem Areski
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind