Patricia Barber, born in 1955, is an American jazz singer, pianist, and ban… Read Full Bio ↴Patricia Barber, born in 1955, is an American jazz singer, pianist, and bandleader. She was born in Chicago to parents who were both professional musicians (her father is Floyd "Shim" Barber, a former member of Glenn Miller's Band). She was raised and educated in South Sioux City, Nebraska, and completed high school there.

Her music is centered on her singing, in a fairly low register and a traditional bluesy-jazz style, and her piano playing, which is technically accomplished. Her repertoire includes many of her own compositions, but also a selection of standards drawn mostly from the classic-rock genre; examples include "Ode to Billie Joe," "A Taste of Honey," and "Black Magic Woman." She is known for her apparent above-average intelligence and vocabulary, which results in complex and witty lyrics. Her last album to date, Mythologies is a set of songs based on Ovid's Metamorphoses. In September 2008, Patricia is releasing "The Cole Porter Mix," a collection of Patricia's renditions of the Porter songbook along with three Barber originals inspired by Cole Porter.

Patricia Barber is a lesbian. Interviews with her suggests that she does not try to hide this fact, but that she 'tires' of the public interest in her sexuality – disliking the fact that it contributes to her fame.

Her albums Cafe Blue, Modern Cool, Companion, Nightclub, Verse have been reissued by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab on SACD and limited edition 45 rpm 1/2 speed mastered, 180 gram audiophile vinyl.

C
Patricia Barber Lyrics

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When love comes in
And takes you for a spin
Ooh la la la c'est magnifique
When every night
Your loved one holds you tight
Ooh la la la c'est magnifique
But when one day
Your loved one drifts away

Ooh la la la it's so tragique
But when once more
He whispers je t'adore
C'est magnifique

But when once more
He whispers je t'adore
C'est magnifique
Yes when once more

He whispers je t'adore
C'est magnifique

Overall Meaning

The song "C'est Magnifique" by Patricia Barber is a beautiful representation of love and its moments of beauty and tragedy. The first stanza, "When love comes in and takes you for a spin, ooh la la la c'est magnifique," is a perfect expression of the joy and thrill of falling in love. It highlights the overwhelming feeling of excitement and how love can surprise you in so many wonderful ways. The following stanza, "When every night your loved one holds you tight, ooh la la la c'est magnifique," elicits a sense of comfort and security in the arms of someone you love.

However, the next part of the song, "But when one day your loved one drifts away, ooh la la la it's so tragique," introduces a sense of loss and heartbreak that can come with love. This part of the song speaks to the fragility of love and how easily it can be lost. But the last stanza, "But when once more he whispers je t'adore, c'est magnifique," is a message of hope and the idea that love can endure and even become stronger after it has been broken.

Overall, Patricia Barber's "C'est Magnifique" is a beautiful and poignant representation of the highs and lows of love.

Line by Line Meaning

When love comes in
The beginning of a romantic journey

And takes you for a spin
When love overwhelms you with its power and excitement

Ooh la la la c'est magnifique
Wow! It's a magnificent feeling!

When every night
A period of time when things are going well

Your loved one holds you tight
Being held tight by someone you love is comforting and reassuring

Ooh la la la c'est magnifique
Wow! It's an amazing experience!

But when one day
A moment when a significant change occurs

Your loved one drifts away
When the person you love starts becoming distant

Ooh la la la it's so tragique
It's so sad and heartbreaking

But when once more
A moment of hope and possibility