Moustaki was born Yussef Mustacchi on the 3rd May 1934 in Alexandria, Egypt, of Sephardic Jewish parents who had moved there from Corfu, and who ran a bookshop in the city. The family spoke Italian at home, but Georges (then Yussef) spoke Arabic with his friends and attended a French school to which his Francophile parents sent him and his sisters. In 1951 he moved to Paris, where he was inspired by the young Georges Brassens, in honour of whom he changed his name to Georges Moustaki.
Moustaki wrote and sang in French, Italian, Greek, Spanish, English, Yiddish, and Arabic. Early influences included Edith Piaf, with whom Moustaki carried on a year-long romance. His pan-national approach to music made him a star in Europe in the late sixties and early seventies.
He died on the 23rd May 2013 in Nice, France.
Gardez Vos Rêves
Georges Moustaki Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Et si vous voyez des curieux
Se pencher pour les observer
N'hésitez pas lâchez les chiens
Je me souviens j'étais enfant
J'avais un rêve pour copain
Un petit rêve et pas méchant
Gardez vos rêves gardez les bien
Et si vous voyez des curieux
Se pencher pour les observer
N'hésitez pas lâchez les chiens
Mais après c'est toujours pareil
On a pas le temps de les surveiller
Ils disparaissent de votre ciel
Un jour je ne l'ai plus trouvé
Gardez vos rêves gardez les bien
Et si vous voyez des curieux
Se pencher pour les observer
N'hésitez pas lâchez les chiens
Dix ans plus tard je l'ai revu
Dans une fête du boulevard
C'est lui qui faisait la femme nue
Dix ans plus tard dix ans plus tard
Gardez vos rêves gardez les bien
Et si vous voyez des curieux
Se pencher pour les observer
N'hésitez pas lâchez les chiens
Gardez vos rêves gardez les bien
Et si vous voyez des curieux
Se pencher pour les observer
N'hésitez pas lâchez les chiens
The lyrics of Georges Moustaki's song "Gardez Vos Rêves" convey a poignant message about the importance of holding onto one's dreams and not allowing others to interfere or diminish their significance. The repeated refrain "Gardez vos rêves gardez les bien" emphasizes the notion of protecting and cherishing one's dreams, regardless of external influences. The imagery of "lâchez les chiens" when faced with curious onlookers symbolizes the idea of fiercely defending one's dreams and not letting anyone intrude on their personal aspirations.
The nostalgic tone in the lyrics reflects on childhood innocence and the simplicity of dreaming without inhibition. The singer recalls a time when they had a "pet dream" that they held close to them, symbolizing the purity and sincerity of youthful hopes and aspirations. The imagery of the dream sleeping in the singer's hands evokes a sense of intimacy and care towards one's dreams, highlighting the tender connection between an individual and their aspirations.
As the lyrics progress, there is a sense of loss and disillusionment as the singer acknowledges the transient nature of dreams. The line "Ils disparaissent de votre ciel" poignantly captures the idea of dreams fading away or being forgotten as life's demands and distractions take over. The inevitability of dreams slipping away is a bittersweet realization that adds depth to the message of holding onto one's dreams amidst the challenges of reality.
The unexpected twist in the lyrics, where the singer encounters their childhood dream transformed into a provocative figure at a party, adds a layer of irony and reflection on the passage of time. The juxtaposition of the innocent past dream with its current, altered form underscores the transformative nature of dreams and their potential to evolve in unexpected ways. Overall, the song's message resonates with the importance of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in one's dreams, despite the uncertainties and changes that life may bring.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind