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.
Ma Nouvelle Aventure
Georges Moustaki Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ma prochaine blessure ma calme déraison
Le meilleur de moi même
Le bonheur d'un instant
Le vous de je vous aime le détail important
Mon éternel retour mon auberge espagnole
Mon escale d'amour ma fugue en mi bémol
Ma nouvelle aventure ma dernière chanson
Ma prochaine blessure ma calme déraison
Servante souveraine ou reflet d'un étang
Le vous de je vous aime le détail important
Ma femme enfant fatale mon péché de luxure
Ma troublante vestale mon présent au futur
Le meilleur de moi même
Le bonheur d'un instant
Le vous de je vous aime le détail important
Le meilleur de moi même
Le bonheur d'un instant
Le vous de je vous aime
The lyrics of Georges Moustaki's song "Ma Nouvelle Aventure" delve deeply into themes of introspection, self-discovery, and the complexities of love. In the first verse, Moustaki reflects on his new journey and his latest song, possibly hinting at the cyclical nature of creativity and personal evolution. He also talks about his upcoming pain and serene madness, suggesting that with each new experience comes a mix of joy and vulnerability. The mention of giving his best self and finding happiness in the moment hints at a newfound appreciation for living in the present and embracing one's authentic self.
The recurring motif of "Le vous de je vous aime" (the "you" of I love you, the important detail) carries a significant weight throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of love and connection in Moustaki's life. It highlights the intricate dynamics of relationships and the significance of genuine affection in his journey. The reference to his eternal return and Spanish inn metaphorically represent the unpredictability and variety of encounters and experiences in life, especially in the realm of love.
The lyrics further explore the duality of love through contrasting imagery, such as the juxtaposition of a sovereign servant and a reflection in a pond. This may symbolize the complexities and dual nature of love - it can be both empowering and reflective, comforting yet elusive. The mention of a femme fatale and a lustful sin suggests Moustaki's acknowledgment of his own flaws and desires, adding depth to his introspective exploration of love and relationships. The use of words like "vestal" and "luxury" convey a sense of passion and allure, painting a vivid picture of the intrigue and intensity of romantic entanglements.
As the song progresses, Moustaki circles back to the idea of finding happiness and the importance of love in its various forms. The repetition of "Le meilleur de moi même, Le bonheur d'un instant, Le vous de je vous aime" echoes the sentiment of cherishing the best parts of oneself, finding joy in fleeting moments, and expressing love earnestly. These closing lines encapsulate the core message of the song, emphasizing the value of self-reflection, embracing the present, and celebrating the depth of emotional connections in the ever-evolving journey of life and love.
Line by Line Meaning
Ma nouvelle aventure ma dernière chanson
My new adventure, my final song
Ma prochaine blessure ma calme déraison
My next wound, my calm folly
Le meilleur de moi même
The best of myself
Le bonheur d'un instant
The happiness of a moment
Le vous de je vous aime le détail important
The 'you' of 'I love you', the important detail
Mon éternel retour mon auberge espagnole
My eternal return, my Spanish hostel
Mon escale d'amour ma fugue en mi bémol
My love stopover, my fugue in E flat
Servante souveraine ou reflet d'un étang
Sovereign servant or reflection of a pond
Ma femme enfant fatale mon péché de luxure
My fatal woman-child, my sin of lust
Ma troublante vestale mon présent au futur
My troubling vestal, my present to the future
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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