He was bor… Read Full Bio ↴Michel Sardou (born January 26, 1947) is a French singer.
He was born in Paris, the son of Fernand Sardou and Jackie Rollin (Jackie Sardou). Contrary to what has been written at the beginning of his career, he is not the grandson of the dramatist Victorien Sardou.
He is known for songs dealing with various social and political issues, such as the rights of women in Islamic countries, clerical celibacy and colonialism. Another sometimes controversial theme found in some of his songs ("Les Ricains," for example) is respect and support for the culture and foreign policies of the United States. Another notable fact about his career is that he has focused his full attention on his homeland, ignoring the prospect of an international audience, although his 1981 single "Les lacs du Connemara" did manage to become a big international hit. A number of his hit songs were written in collaboration with Jacques Revaux, a few others (most notably "En chantant") with Italian singer Toto Cutugno.
Even in the 21st century, Michel Sardou remains immensely popular in France, selling out 18 consecutive dates at Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy in 2001, while his 2004 album "Du plaisir" went straight to the no. 1 spot on the French album charts.
He has been married three times, first to a French dancer, then to Babette (the mother of his children) and lastly to an lifelong friend who edits the French version of Vogue.
He is currently (2023) at the center of a controversy over a song he wrote fifty years ago: the lakes of Connemara. Juliette Armanet, a French pop starlet answering a question about a song that would made her leave a party and it was LES LACS DU CONNEMARA. Sardou, an idol of the French right, in spite of himself, is stuck between the left which finds him corny and the right which does not support that one attacks its institutions. Music is a strong force and nobody fights harder than those who LOVE certain songs. Amazingly this song has nothing to do with politics.
Chanter Quand Même
Michel Sardou Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pour le grand voyage d'en haut
Parce que les années en font trop
Chanter quand même
Je me souviens de son regard
Que m'a-t-il dit, mais c'est trop tard
Petit, n'oublie pas ta guitare
Chanter quand même
Pour ceux qui t'aiment
Pour ceux qui croient
Que le chanteur
N'a jamais froid
N'a jamais peur
Chanter quand même
Chanter quand même
Un fils qui aurait dû grandir
Qui était plein d'éclats de rire
Et de promesses à tenir
Chanter quand même
Mais au carrefour d'un matin sale
Sur une route nationale
Ce n'est qu'un fait divers banal
Chanter quand même
Chanter quand même
Pour ceux qui t'aiment
Pour ceux qui croient
Que le chanteur
N'a jamais froid
N'a jamais peur
Chanter quand même
Chanter quand même
Chanter quand même
Pour ceux qui t'aiment
Pour ceux qui croient
Que le chanteur
N'a jamais froid
N'a jamais peur
Chanter quand même
Chanter quand même
Chanter quand même
Chanter quand même
(Chanter quand même)
The lyrics to Michel Sardou's song Chanter Quand Même tells a story of a father who is about to depart on a long journey upwards due to his old age, and a son who had a bright future but was tragically killed in a car accident. Despite these painful circumstances, the song encourages the listener to "chanter quand même" or "sing anyway" in the face of adversity.
The first verse expresses the sadness of losing a father due to old age, reminding the listener of their mortality. However, the father's advice to not forget one's guitar implies the importance of music in finding solace during difficult times. The second verse tells the story of a son who was full of life but lost his future due to an unavoidable tragedy. The words "ce n'est qu'un fait divers banal" or "it's just a banal news event" express the harsh reality of how life can be unpredictable and cruel. Nonetheless, the refrain of "chanter quand même" is repeated throughout the song, reminding us that singing can be a powerful tool for honoring the memory of loved ones and finding hope amidst grief.
Overall, the lyrics to Chanter Quand Même are a powerful anthem for those who have suffered loss or tragedy. It recognizes the pain of death and misfortune, but ultimately champions the importance of singing and music in finding comfort and strength during difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
Un père qui va partir bientôt
Pour le grand voyage d'en haut
Parce que les années en font trop.
A father who will soon depart due to old age and years taking a toll, for his final journey to the beyond.
Chanter quand même.
Sing nonetheless.
Je me souviens de son regard.
Que m'a-t-il dit mais c'est trop tard.
Petit n'oublie pas ta guitare.
I remember his gaze, but what he said is too late to recall. 'Don't forget your guitar' he told me.
Chanter quand même.
Sing nonetheless.
Chanter quand même
Pour ceux qui t'aiment,
Pour ceux qui croient
Que le chanteur
N'a jamais froid,
N'a jamais peur.
Chanter quand même,
Chanter quand même.
Sing nonetheless for those who love you, for those who believe that a singer is never cold or scared. Sing nonetheless, sing nonetheless.
Un fils qui aurait dû grandir,
Qui était plein d'éclats de rire
Et de promesses à tenir.
A son who should have grown up, full of laughter and promises to fulfill.
Chanter quand même.
Sing nonetheless.
Mais au carrefour d'un matin sale,
Sur une route nationale,
Ce n'est qu'un fait divers banal.
But on the intersection of a dirty morning, on a national road, it's just a banal news headline.
Chanter quand même.
Sing nonetheless.
Chanter quand même
Pour ceux qui t'aiment,
Pour ceux qui croient
Que le chanteur
N'a jamais froid,
N'a jamais peur.
Chanter quand même,
Chanter quand même.
Sing nonetheless for those who love you, for those who believe that a singer is never cold or scared. Sing nonetheless, sing nonetheless.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jean-Pierre Bourtayre, Michel Sardou, Patrick Boutot
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind