Jardinier Bénévole
Francoise Hardy Lyrics


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Le carnaval
partout bat son plein
les gens qui parlent
ne me disent rien
leur idéal
me laisse sur ma faim:
tellement de mal
pour si peu de bien...

les sentiments auxquels je m'adonne
sont là pour embellir la maison
mais si les sentiments t'abandonnent
n'aie pas peur de dire les choses commes elles sont...

j'ouvrirai grand mes bras
de prisonnière sur parole
mettrai les choses à plat
j'aurai été à bonne école...

dans les armoires
il ne reste rien
ni perle rare
ni mot de la fin...
l'être ou l'avoir?
mieux vaut faire le point
tout nous sépare
et tout se rejoint...

les sentiments auxquels je m'adonne
sont là pour embellir le jardin
mais si les sentiments t'abandonnent
inutile de mettre de l'eau dans ton vin...

j'ouvrirai grand mes bras
de jardinier bénévole
qui brave la pluie le froid
et garde la tête sur les épaules...
j'ouvrirai grand les bras
pour que tu prennes ton envol
et je resterai là
sans jamais perdre la boussole...





j'ouvrirai grand mes bras
de jardinier bénévole...

Overall Meaning

In Françoise Hardy's song "Jardinier Bénévole," the singer reflects on her disappointment with the world around her while emphasizing her commitment to love and empathy. The first verse juxtaposes the celebratory atmosphere of a carnival with her own dissatisfaction with the people she encounters, who seem to have narrow ideals that don't align with her own. The second verse emphasizes the importance of emotional connection to the singer, as she sees it as a way to "embellir la maison" or make life more beautiful. She cautions that if these connections falter, it's important to be honest about it.


The chorus expands on this idea of emotional openness and empathy by portraying the singer as a willing and self-sacrificing giver of love. She likens herself to a prisoner on parole, carefully opening her arms to admit others. The third verse moves towards a reckoning with materialism and success, as the singer implies that she doesn't have much to show for her life. The fourth verse reiterates the singer's preference for emotional richness over material gain, expressing solidarity with others and a desire to provide comfort and help others grow.


Overall, "Jardinier Bénévole" is a meditation on the power of love and empathy in a world that often seems flawed and disappointing. It emphasizes the importance of being emotionally honest with oneself and others, as well as the power of selflessness and sacrifice in building meaningful relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

Le carnaval partout bat son plein les gens qui parlent ne me disent rien leur idéal me laisse sur ma faim: tellement de mal pour si peu de bien...
The festive season is being celebrated throughout, but people's conversations do not interest me. Their aspirations are unsatisfactory because achieving them requires many efforts for a small gain.


les sentiments auxquels je m'adonne sont là pour embellir la maison mais si les sentiments t'abandonnent n'aie pas peur de dire les choses commes elles sont...
I indulge in nurturing emotions that add beauty to my surroundings. However, if feelings elude you, do not hesitate to confront the truth.


j'ouvrirai grand mes bras de prisonnière sur parole mettrai les choses à plat j'aurai été à bonne école...
I will embrace you wholeheartedly as one who was once released from captivity. I will clear any misunderstandings between us, having become skilled at resolving conflicts.


dans les armoires il ne reste rien ni perle rare ni mot de la fin... l'être ou l'avoir? mieux vaut faire le point tout nous sépare et tout se rejoint...
The cupboards are empty with no treasured possessions or conclusive evidence. We must evaluate whether it is better to focus on people or belongings since we are divided by everything and united by it as well.


les sentiments auxquels je m'adonne sont là pour embellir le jardin mais si les sentiments t'abandonnent inutile de mettre de l'eau dans ton vin...
I indulge in nurturing emotions that add beauty to my life. However, if feelings elude you, never force yourself to do things that do not align with your emotions.


j'ouvrirai grand mes bras de jardinier bénévole qui brave la pluie le froid et garde la tête sur les épaules...
I will embrace you wholeheartedly as a selfless gardener who persists despite the odds and keeps a clear head.


j'ouvrirai grand les bras pour que tu prennes ton envol et je resterai là sans jamais perdre la boussole...
I will embrace you wholeheartedly to enable you to fly on your own. I will remain steadfast and never lose my way.


j'ouvrirai grand mes bras de jardinier bénévole...
I will embrace you wholeheartedly as a selfless gardener.




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