His debut album, appearing in 1996 and titled "Joseph Antoine Frédéric Fortin Perron", won many praise. It was then followed in 2000 by "Le plancher des vaches" and, in 2004, "Planter le décor".
He is currently on drums with Les Breastfeeders since 2005.
Official web site : www.fredfortin.qc.ca
Mumu
Fred Fortin Lyrics
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C'est Mumu mon p'tit frère qui un jour l'a bâtie
Dans le simple but de se défoncer la tomate
À l'abri des chiens, des loups, des millions de primates complet-cravate
Et pour enfin être libre
Quand t'échappes la truie, tu t'rends ben compte que c'est p'tit
C'est Mumu mon p'tit frère qui un jour l'a appris
La chaleur l'envahit, il transpirait comme de l'asphalte au soleil
Et enfin il est sorti… C'était un p'tit peu trop pour lui!
Dans la cabane ils étaient ivres
Dans la cabane ils étaient givres
Givrés de givres
Qui délire
La liberté c'est dur à suivre
La liberté c'est dur à suivre
La liberté c'est dur à suivre
Aujourd'hui c'est moi qui en sors tout étourdi
C'est Mumu mon p'tit frère qui bien sûr me l'a transmis
Et si un jour l'envie te prend de faire du mal
Tes péchés resteront entre les murs d'la pastorale
C'est final, capital
Et c'est Mumu qui me l'a dit!
C'est Mumu qui me l'a dit!!
The lyrics of Fred Fortin's song "Mumu" portray a metaphorical scene of two brothers finding refuge and liberation in a self-built cabin, away from the constraints of society. The singer describes how his younger brother, Mumu, constructed the small and simple cabin using wood and other materials, with the sole purpose of being able to escape reality and indulge in mind-altering substances without being bothered by authority figures or the expectations of the world. The lyrics hint at a sense of rebellion and non-conformity, as the brothers seek to break free from the pressures of society and live their lives on their own terms.
However, the story takes a darker turn when Mumu realizes that the small cabin is not enough to contain his desire for self-destruction. The singer describes how Mumu becomes overwhelmed and delirious after indulging in drugs and alcohol, and eventually exits the cabin in a state of confusion and distress. The lyrics suggest that freedom and liberation can be a double-edged sword, as they can lead to excess and self-harm if not managed carefully.
The chorus of the song reinforces this idea, as it repeats the phrase "La liberté c'est dur à suivre", which translates to "Freedom is hard to follow". The lyrics express the idea that true freedom and self-expression can be difficult to achieve and maintain, and that there are often consequences for breaking away from societal norms.
Overall, "Mumu" is a poignant song that explores the themes of rebellion, freedom, and self-destruction. Through its simple but powerful lyrics, the song encourages listeners to question the expectations of society and find their own path to liberation, while also warning of the dangers of excess and lack of self-control.
Line by Line Meaning
Ma cabane est faite de ripe et de préfini
My cabin is made of scrap wood and leftovers, constructed by my little brother Mumu one day with the sole purpose of getting high, away from the barking dogs, wolves, and millions of suited primates – all in order to finally experience true freedom.
C'est Mumu mon p'tit frère qui un jour l'a bâtie
It was my little brother Mumu who built it one day.
Dans le simple but de se défoncer la tomate
With the sole purpose of getting high.
À l'abri des chiens, des loups, des millions de primates complet-cravate
To be sheltered from the barking dogs, wolves, and millions of suited primates.
Et pour enfin être libre
And to finally experience true freedom.
Quand t'échappes la truie, tu t'rends ben compte que c'est p'tit
When you escape the pigpen, you realize it's pretty small.
C'est Mumu mon p'tit frère qui un jour l'a appris
My little brother Mumu learned that one day.
Après s'être clenché 4 à 5 à 6 gros battes
After smoking 4, 5, or 6 large joints.
La chaleur l'envahit, il transpirait comme de l'asphalte au soleil
The heat overwhelmed him, and he sweated profusely like asphalt under the sun.
Et enfin il est sorti… C'était un p'tit peu trop pour lui!
And finally, he emerged…it was a bit too much for him!
Dans la cabane ils étaient ivres
In the cabin, they were drunk.
Dans la cabane ils étaient givres
In the cabin, they were high.
Givrés de givres
Intoxicated with marijuana.
Qui délire
Delirious.
La liberté c'est dur à suivre
Freedom is hard to keep up with.
Aujourd'hui c'est moi qui en sors tout étourdi
Today, it's me who comes out feeling dizzy.
C'est Mumu mon p'tit frère qui bien sûr me l'a transmis
Of course it was my little brother Mumu who passed it on to me.
Et si un jour l'envie te prend de faire du mal
And if one day you feel like doing wrong.
Tes péchés resteront entre les murs d'la pastorale
Your sins will stay between the walls of the cabin.
C'est final, capital
It's final, crucial.
Et c'est Mumu qui me l'a dit!
And Mumu was the one who told me so!
C'est Mumu qui me l'a dit!!
It was Mumu who told me!!
Contributed by Eli P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.