The song was banned by broadcasters in Spain, Sweden, Brazil as well as Britain and was condemned across the world as immoral, not least by the Vatican. It was so saucy that original co-vocalist Brigitte Bardot refused to approve its release. Scandalous singer Serge Gainsbourg soon found a 'willing partner' in British Jane Birkin.
Ford Mustang
Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg Lyrics
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Et "bang", on embrasse les platanes
"Mus-" à gauche, "-Tang" à droite
Et à gauche, à droite
Un essuie-glace, un paquet "de Kool"
"Un badge" avec inscrit d'ssus "Keep Cool"
Une barre de chocolat
On se fait des "langues" en "Ford Mustang"
Et "bang", on embrasse les platanes
"Mus-" à gauche, "-Tang" à droite
Et à gauche, à droite
Une bouteille de "fluid makeup"
Un "flash", un "Browning" et un "pick-up"
Un recueil "d'Edgar Poe"
Un briquet "Zippo"
On se fait des "langues" en "Ford Mustang"
Et "bang", on embrasse les platanes
"Mus-" à gauche, "-Tang" à droite
Et à gauche, à droite
Un numéro de "Superman"
Un écrou de chez "Paco Rabanne"
Une photo "d'Marilyn"
Un tube "d'Aspirin"
On se fait des "langues" en "Ford Mustang"
Et "bang", on embrasse les platanes
"Mus-" à gauche, "-Tang" à droite
The lyrics of Jane Birkin’s “Ford Mustang” describe the desire for freedom in the form of youthful recklessness. The Ford Mustang serves as a symbol not only of freedom, but also of a sense of adventure and lack of responsibility. The “langues” mentioned in the song refer to tongues, and the carefree attitude of young people who are willing to take risks and explore new things. The “platanes” are the trees that the driver inevitably crashes into at some point.
The items mentioned in the song – including a badge that says “Keep Cool,” a bar of chocolate, a Coca-Cola, a Browning, and a Zippo lighter – serve as further symbols of youth, rebellion, and freedom. The allusions to classic literature and pop culture figures like Edgar Allan Poe, Superman, and Marilyn Monroe serve to emphasize the idea that young people are searching for something beyond the mundane, and that they are willing to take risks in order to find it.
Overall, the lyrics of “Ford Mustang” capture the thrill and danger of being young, reckless, and free. The Ford Mustang represents the ultimate expression of this desire for freedom, and the items mentioned in the song – along with the “langues” and the crashed “platanes” – serve as reminders that while there is excitement to be found in rebellious behavior, there are also risks and consequences that must be faced.
Line by Line Meaning
On se fait des "langues" en "Ford Mustang"
We chat while cruising in a Ford Mustang
Et "bang!" on embrasse les platanes
And suddenly crash into the trees
"Mus" à gauche, "Tang" à droite
Turn left to "Mus", right to "Tang"
Et à gauche, à droite
And repeat on the other side
Un essuie-glace, un paquet "de Kool"
A windshield wiper, a pack of cigarettes
"Un badge" avec inscrit d'ssus "Keep Cool"
A badge that reads "Keep Cool"
Une barre de chocolat
A chocolate bar
Un "Coca-Cola"
A can of Coca-Cola
Une bouteille de "fluide make-up"
A bottle of makeup fluid
Un "flash" un "Browning" et un "pick up"
A camera flash, a Browning gun, and a pickup truck
Un recueil "d'Edgar Poe"
A collection of Edgar Allan Poe's works
Un briquet "Zippo"
A Zippo lighter
Un numéro de "Superman"
A comic book of Superman
Un écrou de chez "Paco Rabanne"
A nut from Paco Rabanne
Une photo "d'Marilyn"
A photo of Marilyn Monroe
Un tube "d'aspirine"
A tube of aspirin
Lyrics © MELODY NELSON PUBLISHING, WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC FRANCE
Written by: Serge Gainsbourg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind