In 1961 he married Christine Sèvres. During his carrer, Ferrat has had some difficulty with the authorities owing to his humanist perpective and links with communism.
His most famous songs are: Que serais-je sans toi, Heureux celui qui meurt d'aimer, Potemkine, La montagne, Les feux de Paris, L'amour est cerise and many others.
His lyrics are very much influenced by french poet Aragon.
17 Ans
Jean Ferrat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Arrivant en avion de son pays lointain
Aussi fraîche aussi tendre aussi gaie qu'un printemps
Et s'arrêta le temps
Elle avait le teint mat des yeux croissant de lune
Sur ses reins qui dansaient deux longues tresses brunes
Donnaient à sa jeunesse un éclat triomphant
Elle était à la fois timide et sûre d'elle
Par sa voix ses propos sa grâce naturelle
Rien ne la distinguait des filles de ce temps
Elle avait dix-sept ans
Nulle ombre ne voilait son regard enfantin
Nul regret ne faisait palpiter sa poitrine
Elle avait au combat de sa main douce et fine
Tué dix américains
The lyrics of Jean Ferrat's song "17 Ans" describe a young woman the singer saw one morning arriving by airplane from a faraway country. She was as fresh, tender, and happy as spring, and time seemed to stop upon seeing her. The singer describes the young woman's characteristics, such as her brown eyes that were like crescent moons and her two long brown braids that danced on her hips, giving her a triumphant glow. She was shy yet confident, with a natural grace that distinguished her from other girls her age, and she was just 17 years old. Despite her youthful innocence, she had already killed ten Americans with her gentle and delicate hands.
The first verse of the song sets the mood and introduces the listener to the young woman who has just arrived. The second verse describes her physical characteristics and the aura of invincibility that emanates from her. The third verse delves deeper into her personality, showing that she is a mix of shyness and confidence, with a grace that sets her apart from other girls. The final line of the song is particularly striking, as it contrasts her innocent appearance with her violent actions.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the cruel realities of war that force young people to grow up too quickly and do things that they may not be ready for. It also highlights the paradox of innocent-looking young women who may be capable of great violence.
Line by Line Meaning
Je l'ai vue je l'ai vue je vous jure un matin
I saw her, I saw her, I swear to you, one morning.
Arrivant en avion de son pays lointain
Arriving by plane from her distant country.
Aussi fraîche aussi tendre aussi gaie qu'un printemps
As fresh, as tender, as happy as a spring.
Et s'arrêta le temps
And time stood still.
Elle avait le teint mat des yeux croissant de lune
She had a tanned complexion and eyes like crescent moons.
Sur ses reins qui dansaient deux longues tresses brunes
Two long brown braids swayed on her hips.
Donnaient à sa jeunesse un éclat triomphant
They gave her youth a triumphant glow.
Sous le soleil levant
Beneath the rising sun.
Elle était à la fois timide et sûre d'elle
She was both shy and self-assured.
Par sa voix ses propos sa grâce naturelle
Through her voice, her words, her natural grace.
Rien ne la distinguait des filles de ce temps
Nothing set her apart from the girls of that time.
Elle avait dix-sept ans
She was seventeen years old.
Nulle ombre ne voilait son regard enfantin
No shadow covered her childish look.
Nul regret ne faisait palpiter sa poitrine
No regret made her chest flutter.
Elle avait au combat de sa main douce et fine
With her soft and delicate hand, she fought.
Tué dix américains
She killed ten Americans.
Contributed by Miles V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
JPH325
Superbes photos sur ces paroles de Jean Ferrat (évidemment photos plus que malheureuses). Comme l'humain aime le pouvoir et l'argent ainsi que certains même la guerre.
yves mandroux
ému...souvenirs...de Ferrat, et de cette guerre immonde...
Christian Reynier
Le dormeur du val...magnifique.