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.
Les Mères Juives
Georges Moustaki Lyrics
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tu devrais prendre soin de toi,
n'oublie jamais tes vitamines,
couvre-toi bien quand il fait froid.
Je sais que tu n'as plus 9 ans,
mais tu es encore mon enfant.
Elles sont toujours sur le qui-vive
Les Mères Juives.
Je crois que tu fais trop de sport,
on dit que ce n'est pas très sain
c'est dangereux tous ces efforts
en as-tu réellement besoin?
Je sais que tu n'as plus 15 ans,
mais tu es encore mon enfant.
Elles sont inquiètes et émotives
Les Mères Juives.
Je t
he song Les Mères Juives by Georges Moustaki is a beautiful tribute to Jewish mothers and their unconditional love for their children. The lyrics depict a mother's constant concern for her child's well-being, no matter how old they are. The opening lines, "My son, you look unwell, you should take care of yourself, never forget your vitamins, cover yourself well when it's cold," shows the mother's loving and protective nature.
As the song progresses, the mother's worry shifts to her child's physical activity, as she expresses concern that he may be pushing himself too hard with sports and physical activity. She even questions whether he really needs all that effort. However, no matter what the concern is, the message remains the same: the mother's love and care will always be there for her child, no matter how old they are.
The title itself, "Les Mères Juives," refers to Jewish mothers who are known for their unwavering love and devotion to their children. The song beautifully highlights this unique and special relationship between a Jewish mother and her child, which transcends age, time, and distance.
Contributed by Emma H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.