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.
Mes compagnons d'hier
Georges Moustaki Lyrics
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De toujours
Il y a longtemps que j'attendais votre retour
La porte était ouverte et la table dressée
Mais la bière était tiède et la soupe glacée
Enfin vous revoici revenus en fanfare
Trompettes, violons, tambourins et guitares
Que la fête reprenne où nous l'avions laissée
Mes compagnons d'hier, d'aujourd'hui
De toujours
Compères de ripaille et complices d'amour
Que se forment les couples prêts à s'enlacer
Pour la prochaine danse qui va commencer
Certains ne viendront plus
Buvons à leur mémoire
D'autres se sont perdus en
Allant vers la gloire
Mais tous ceux qui sont là, les purs
Les vrais de vrais
Sont comme le bon grain délivré de l'ivraie
Mes compagnons d'hier, d'aujourd'hui
De toujours à l'heure où se tairont
Trompettes et tambours
Épuisés de plaisir vous vous endormirez
Et seul dans le silence je vous veillerai
D'avoir vécu ensemble cet instant de vie
D'en avoir profité sans mesure, à l'envi
Je saurai qu'avec vous le
Temps peut s'arrêter
Et nous donner le temps de vivre à satiété
Mes compagnons d'hier, d'aujourd'hui
De demain
Lorsque vous reprendrez chacun votre chemin
À vos lèvres je poserai comme un baiser
La chanson que pour vous je viens de composer
Lorsque vous reprendrez chacun votre chemin
Sans inutile adieu, sans signe de la main
Je ferai semblant de croire que j'ai rêvé
Pour qu'en fermant les yeux
J'aille vous retrouver
Mes compagnons d'hier, d'aujourd'hui
De toujours
Longtemps, longtemps je guetterai
Votre retour
The lyrics of Georges Moustaki's song "Mes compagnons d'hier" convey a deep sense of nostalgia and camaraderie among friends. The singer eagerly anticipates the return of their companions from the past, present, and always. The imagery of the open door and set table symbolize a warm welcome, but the lukewarm beer and cold soup suggest a slight disappointment in the reunion. Despite this, the arrival of the friends is celebrated joyfully with trumpets, violins, drums, and guitars, indicating a desire to pick up where they left off as if time had never passed.
The song reflects on the bonds of friendship forged through shared experiences and moments of revelry and love. The mention of lost friends who will not return is a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the transient nature of relationships. To honor their memory, the singer suggests raising a toast. While some may have strayed in pursuit of glory, those who remain are described as the true and loyal companions, separating themselves like good grain from chaff.
As the festivities wind down and the music fades, the singer imagines their companions falling asleep from exhaustion, leaving them alone in the quiet to cherish the shared moment of life. The lyrics express a profound gratitude for a time well spent together, without reservation or restraint. The notion that time can seemingly stand still in the company of cherished friends underscores the value of living fully and abundantly in each moment.
The final verse of the song looks towards the future, acknowledging that each friend will eventually go their separate ways. The singer contemplates parting ways without drawn-out goodbyes, choosing instead to offer a heartfelt farewell in the form of a newly composed song. The longing to reunite in dreams after bidding adieu reflects a desire to hold on to the cherished memories and connections shared with these companions. The repeated longing for their return serves as a poignant reminder of the deep and enduring impact that true friendship can have in one's life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GEORGES MOUSTAKI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind