Georges Moustaki (1934-2013) was a singer-songwriter of Greek Jewish origin… Read Full Bio ↴Georges Moustaki (1934-2013) was a singer-songwriter of Greek Jewish origin.

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.

Je Ne T'Avais Pas Promis
Georges Moustaki Lyrics

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Je ne t'avais pas promis
De te rencontrer un jour
Par hasard ou par envie
Simplement, d'un peu d'amour

Je ne t'avais pas promis
Qu'ensemble nous dormirions
Un peu plus que des amis

Un peu moins qu'une passion

Et pourtant, jour après nuit
Tu deviens plus familière
Quand tu es loin, je m'ennuie
Quand tu es là, tout s'éclaire

Je ne t'avais pas promis
De rêver les yeux ouverts
Devant ton corps endormi
Qui semblait encore offert

Je ne t'avais pas promis
De te dire un jour "Je t'aime"
Et lorsque je te l'ai dit
J'en étais surpris moi-même

Et pourtant, jour après nuit
Tu deviens plus familière
Quand tu es loin, je m'ennuie
Quand tu es là, tout s'éclaire

Tu ne m'avais pas promis

La volupté, la tendresse que l'amour a réuni
Beaucoup mieux qu'une promesse

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Georges Moustaki's song "Je Ne T'Avais Pas Promis" depict a love affair that defies expectations and promises. The singer begins by stating that they had not promised to meet the person they are singing to, either by chance or desire, but rather to give them a little bit of love. There was no commitment to a deep connection, only a simple exchange of affection.

As the song progresses, the singer admits that they did not promise to sleep together or be anything more than friends with a hint of passion. However, despite these initial reservations, their feelings start to change. The person they are singing to becomes more familiar and essential to their life. They miss them when they're apart and everything brightens up when they are together.

The singer also addresses the idea of dreaming with open eyes and witnessing the other person's slumbering body. They confess that they never promised such intimate moments, and yet they find themselves captivated by the sight of the other person in their vulnerable state. The song takes a turn when the singer admits that they never promised to say "I love you," but they did say it, surprising even themselves.

The lyrics imply that love has taken hold of them beyond what was initially expected. The relationship has evolved into something more significant, something that goes beyond promises and conventional boundaries. The singer and the person they are singing to have found a connection that exceeds any commitments or words.

Overall, "Je Ne T'Avais Pas Promis" explores the unpredictable nature of love and how it can surpass initial expectations, leading to a deeper connection that is often unexpected.

Je Ne T'Avais Pas PromisGeorges Moustaki Lyrics

Je Ne T'Avais Pas Promis
Georges Moustaki Lyrics