Brel was born on 8th April 1929 in Schaarbeek, a district of Brussels, and lived half of his life in Paris. He died of lung cancer on 9th October 1978 in Bobigny in the suburbs of Paris, and is buried in the Marquesas Islands.
Although the Brels spoke French, they were of Flemish descent, with some of the family originating from Zandvoorde, near Ieper. Brel's father was co-owner of a cardboard factory and Brel started his professional life at that firm, apparently destined to follow in his father's footsteps. However he had no interest in it, showing instead an interest in the arts, having joined the Catholic-humanist youth organisation Franche Cordée, where he did some singing and acting. At Franche Cordée he met Thérèse Michielsen ('Miche'), and they married in 1950.
In the early 1950s Brel achieved some minor success in Belgium, singing his own songs. A 78rpm record ("La foire"/"Il y a") was released as a result. From 1954 Brel seriously pursued a singing career. He quit his job and moved to Paris, writing music and singing in the city's cabarets and music-halls.. In January 1955 he supported in the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels the performances of the Belgian pop and variety pioneer Bobbejaan Schoepen. After some success his wife and daughters joined him from Belgium. By 1956 he was touring Europe and he recorded the song "Quand on n'a que l'amour", which brought him his first major recognition. He appeared in a show with Maurice Chevalier and Michel Legrand.
By the end of the 1950s Miche and Brel's three daughters moved to Brussels. He and his family led separate lives from then on. Under the influence of his friend Georges Pasquier ('Jojo') and pianists Gérard Jouannest and François Rauber, Brel's style changed. He was no longer a Catholic-humanist troubadour, but sang grimmer songs about love, death, and the struggle that is life. The music became more complex and his themes more diverse, exploring love ("Je t'aime", "Litanies pour un retour"), society ("Les singes", "Les bourgeois", "Jaurès") and spiritual concerns ("Le bon Dieu", "Dites, si c'était vrai", "Fernand"). His work is not limited to one style. He was as proficient in comic compositions ("Le lion", "Comment tuer l'amant de sa femme...") as in more emotional ones ("Voir un ami pleurer", "Fils de...", "Jojo"). He composed and recorded his songs almost exclusively in French, and is widely recognised in French-speaking countries as one of the best French-language composers of all time.
Brel himself occasionally included parts of his songs in Flemish (Dutch), one of the three official languages of Belgium, as in Marieke. He also recorded eight other Flemish versions of songs, such as Mijn vlakke land (Le plat Pays), Laat Me Niet Alleen (Ne me quitte pas), Rosa, De Burgerij (Les Bourgeois), and De Nuttelozen van de Nacht (Les paumés du petit matin). Since his own command of the language was poor, these were translated by Ernst van Altena, renowned translator of French song. Although France was Brel's "spiritual home" and he expressed contradictory statements about his native Belgium, some of his best compositions pay tribute to Belgium.
A very successful theatrical review of his songs, "Jacques Brel is Alive and Living in Paris," was launched in 1968. It featured English translations of his songs, and it was late made into a film.
To English-speaking listeners, Brel's best-known song is probably "Seasons in the Sun," a hit for Terry Jacks in 1973. Its English lyrics are a translation by Rod McKuen of Brel's "Le Moribond."
For twenty years he was a major star gaining recognition beyond French audiences. In 1973 he retreated to French Polynesia, remaining there until 1977 when he returned to Paris and recorded his well-received final album.
A heavy smoker, it was discovered in 1973 that Brel had lung cancer. He died in 1978 and was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia only a few yards away from painter Paul Gauguin.
Fernand
Jacques Brel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I remember long ago another starry night like this
In the firelight Fernando
You were humming to yourself and softly strumming your guitar
I could hear the distant drums
And sounds of bugle calls were coming from afar
They were closer now Fernando
I was so afraid Fernando
We were young and full of life and none of us prepared to die
And I'm not ashamed to say
The roar of guns and cannons almost made me cry
There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando
Though I never thought that we could lose
There's no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando
Now we're old and grey Fernando
And since many years I haven't seen a rifle in your hand
Can you hear the drums Fernando?
Do you still recall the frightful night we crossed the Rio Grande?
I can see it in your eyes
How proud you were to fight for freedom in this land
There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando
Though I never thought that we could lose
There's no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando
There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Fernando
They were shining there for you and me
For liberty, Fernando
Though I never thought that we could lose
There's no regret
If I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando
Yes, if I had to do the same again
I would, my friend, Fernando...
The song "Fernando" by Jacques Brel is a hauntingly beautiful tale of memories, bravery, and friendship. The song tells the story of two young soldiers, Fernando and the singer, who find themselves in the midst of a terrifying battle. Amid the sounds of drums and bugle calls, they face their fears and fight for freedom together. In the end, they survive, and the memory of that fateful night stays with them forever.
The lyrics are filled with themes of bravery, brotherhood, and patriotism. The singer recounts the night of the battle, where he and Fernando faced their fears and fought for what they believed in. The stars in the sky symbolize their hope and determination to fight for their freedom. Despite the fear and uncertainty, they come out of the battle alive and proud of their fight for liberty.
The song also portrays the nostalgic memories of their younger and more carefree days. The image of Fernando softly strumming his guitar in the firelight highlights the innocence and beauty they held before the battle.
Overall, the song "Fernando" is a touching tribute to the bravery of young soldiers fighting for freedom and their memories of their past. It reminds us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in and the value of friendship and brotherhood in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Can you hear the drums Fernando?
Asking if they can hear the sounds of war and conflict that they experienced together.
I remember long ago another starry night like this
Recalling a similar night from the past, full of stars and memories.
In the firelight Fernando
Describing the setting they were in as they reminisce about the past.
You were humming to yourself and softly strumming your guitar
Remembering the peaceful times they spent together, creating music and enjoying each other's company.
I could hear the distant drums
Hearing the sounds of war quietly building in the distance.
And sounds of bugle calls were coming from afar
Noticing the warning calls that signaled the beginning of conflict.
They were closer now Fernando
Sensing the approach of danger and conflict that they couldn't avoid.
Every hour every minute seemed to last eternally
Feeling the prolonged and intense fear and panic that comes from being in a warzone.
I was so afraid Fernando
Admitting their fear during the conflict and its aftermath.
We were young and full of life and none of us prepared to die
Reflecting on the naivety of youth and their inability to grasp the reality of war and fighting.
And I'm not ashamed to say
Acknowledging the honesty and vulnerability of sharing their emotions and thoughts about the experience.
The roar of guns and cannons almost made me cry
Admitting the overwhelming emotions and stress that comes with being in a dangerous situation like war.
There was something in the air that night
Noticing a feeling or energy in the atmosphere that night that was significant.
The stars were bright, Fernando
Noticing the brightness and significance of the stars that night.
They were shining there for you and me
Feeling connected to each other and the universe, despite the chaos of war.
For liberty, Fernando
Fighting for freedom and their beliefs, despite the danger and fear.
Though I never thought that we could lose
Believing in their cause and their strength, even when facing difficult odds.
There's no regret
Accepting that they did what they could and wouldn't change anything in the past.
If I had to do the same again
Powerfully acknowledging their bravery and commitment to their cause.
I would, my friend, Fernando
Reiterating their willingness to fight for what they believe in, no matter the cost.
Now we're old and grey Fernando
Reflecting on their age and maturity now, as they look back on their experiences.
And since many years I haven't seen a rifle in your hand
Noticing the absence of weapons and the peace they now enjoy.
Do you still recall the frightful night we crossed the Rio Grande?
Asking if they remember that specific moment in the past and the emotions they felt during it.
I can see it in your eyes
Noticing the emotion and memories that the other person is feeling as they think back on the experience.
How proud you were to fight for freedom in this land
Acknowledging the bravery and passion that they both felt for their cause.
Yes, if I had to do the same again
Stating their unwavering commitment to their cause, even if they had to relive those difficult experiences once more.
I would, my friend, Fernando...
Reiterating their powerful conclusion and the bond they share as friends and comrades.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Stig Erik Leopold Anderson, Benny Goran Bror Andersson, Bjoern K Ulvaeus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Is
Dire que Fernand est mort
Dire qu’il est mort Fernand
Dire que je suis seul derrière
Dire qu’il est seul devant
Lui dans sa dernière bière
Et moi dans mon brouillard
Lui dans son corbillard
Et moi dans mon désert
Devant Y’a qu’un cheval blanc
Derrière y’a que moi qui pleure
Dire qu’ya même pas de vent
Pour agiter mes fleurs
Moi si j’étais le bon dieu je crois qu’j’aurais des remords
Dire que maintenant il pleut
Dire que Fernand est mort
Dire qu’on traverse Paris
Dans le tout petit matin
Dire qu’on traverse Paris
Et qu’on dirait Berlin
Et toi toi tu sais pas
Tu dors mais c’est triste à mourir
D’être obligé de partir
Quand Paris dort encore
Moi je crève d’envie
De réveiller des gens
Je t’inventerais une famille
Juste pour ton enterrement
Et puis si j’étais le bon dieu
Je crois que je serais pas fier
Je sais, on fait ce qu’on peut
Mais y’a la manière
Tu sais, je reviendrai
Je reviendrai souvent
Dans ce putain de champ
Où tu dois t’reposer
L’été je te ferais de l’ombre
On boira du silence
A la santé de Constance
Qui se fout bien de ton ombre
Et puis les adultes sont tellement cons
Qu’ils nous feront bien une guerre
Alors je viendrai pour de bon
Dormir dans ton cimetière
Et maintenant bon Dieu tu vas bien rigoler
Et maintenant bon Dieu maintenant je vais pleurer
Alexandru Salistean
[Couplet 1]
Dire que Fernand est mort
Dire qu´il est mort Fernand
Dire que je suis seul derrière
Dire qu'il est seul devant
Lui dans sa dernière bière
Moi dans mon brouillard
Lui dans son corbillard
Moi dans mon désert
Devant y a qu´un cheval blanc
Derrière y a que moi qui pleure
Dire qu´a même pas de vent
Pour agiter mes fleurs
Moi si j´étais l´bon Dieu
Je crois qu´j´aurais des r´mords
Dire que maintenant il pleut
Dire que Fernand est mort
[Couplet 2]
Dire qu´on traverse Paris
Dans le tout p´tit matin
Dire qu´on traverse Paris
Et qu´on dirait Berlin
Toi, toi, toi tu sais pas, tu dors
Mais c´est triste à mourir
D´être obligé d´partir
Quand Paris dort encore
Moi je crève d´envie
De réveiller des gens
J´t´inventerai une famille
Juste pour ton enterrement
Et puis si j´étais l´bon Dieu
Je crois qu´je serais pas fier
Je sais, on fait c´qu´on peut
Mais y a la manière
[Couplet 3]
Tu sais, je reviendrai
Je reviendrai souvent
Dans ce putain de champ
Où tu dois t´reposer
L´été, j´te f´rai de l´ombre
On boira du silence
A la santé d´Constance
Qui s´en fout bien d´ton ombre
Et puis les adultes sont tellement cons
Qu´ils nous feront bien une guerre
Alors je viendrai pour de bon
Dormir dans ton cimetière
Et maintenant bon Dieu
Tu vas bien rigoler
Et maintenant bon Dieu
Et maintenant j´vais pleurer
meliodas
Nous nous retrouverons tous et toutes... Dans l'intelligence universelle
Dire que mag est morte
Dure qu'elle est morte ma Mag
Dire que on est Seuls derrière
Dur qu'elle est bien la bas devant
Elle dans ma dernière bière
Moi dans mon brouillard
Elle j'ai même pas vu son taxi mortuaire
Moi dans mon désert
Devant pas de cheval blanc
Derrière qu'en faire sur terre
Moi si j'étais le bon dieu.. Je crois que j'aurais des remords
Moi si j'étais le bon dieu je crois que je serais pas fier. Je sais on fait ce con peut mais bon ya la manière
Tu sais je me rappellerais.. Je me rappellerais souvent de nos bons et tristes moments
Je te taguerais souvent de ton putain de champs ou tu dois te reposer
On va boire tellement de silences
Et puis les adultes sont tellement cons qu'ils nous ferons bien une guerre alors je viendrais pour de bon t'aimer dans ton cimetière de Calais...
Et maintenant bon dieu.. Tu vas bien rigoler
Et maintenant bon dieu.. Maintenant je vais pleurer T.T T.T
FRANCOMME Joël
Le temps n'y fait rien, Jacques Brel nous bouleverse. On ne sort jamais indemne après l'écoute de ses chansons...
gil veber
une chanson de Brel, c est comme un grand livre chante par un grand chanteur.
charles Cy
M11m1qM11qqM1m1m1m1mmMA11qQ1qqQ111q111M1111
Mathieu Bareaud
D accord a 10pour 100
dartois robert
Je ne peux qu'être d'avis avec vous ; elle est très belle de réalisme au même titre que LES VIEUX, bien entendu, entre autres de ses chansons ; c'était UN GRAND !
Philippe Hue
.
Tarquin Midwinter
A masterpiece! The English speaking world doesn't have anyone to compare with Jacques Brel.
Romain Declerck
(And there is Tom Waits)
Alex Se-barre
Jacques Brel is not to be compare with others, as much as others are not to be compare with Jacques Brel. Un point c'est tout . Et toc !
Is
Dire que Fernand est mort
Dire qu’il est mort Fernand
Dire que je suis seul derrière
Dire qu’il est seul devant
Lui dans sa dernière bière
Et moi dans mon brouillard
Lui dans son corbillard
Et moi dans mon désert
Devant Y’a qu’un cheval blanc
Derrière y’a que moi qui pleure
Dire qu’ya même pas de vent
Pour agiter mes fleurs
Moi si j’étais le bon dieu je crois qu’j’aurais des remords
Dire que maintenant il pleut
Dire que Fernand est mort
Dire qu’on traverse Paris
Dans le tout petit matin
Dire qu’on traverse Paris
Et qu’on dirait Berlin
Et toi toi tu sais pas
Tu dors mais c’est triste à mourir
D’être obligé de partir
Quand Paris dort encore
Moi je crève d’envie
De réveiller des gens
Je t’inventerais une famille
Juste pour ton enterrement
Et puis si j’étais le bon dieu
Je crois que je serais pas fier
Je sais, on fait ce qu’on peut
Mais y’a la manière
Tu sais, je reviendrai
Je reviendrai souvent
Dans ce putain de champ
Où tu dois t’reposer
L’été je te ferais de l’ombre
On boira du silence
A la santé de Constance
Qui se fout bien de ton ombre
Et puis les adultes sont tellement cons
Qu’ils nous feront bien une guerre
Alors je viendrai pour de bon
Dormir dans ton cimetière
Et maintenant bon Dieu tu vas bien rigoler
Et maintenant bon Dieu maintenant je vais pleurer