Patricia Kaas (born December 5, 1966 in Forbach, France) is a French singer… Read Full Bio ↴Patricia Kaas (born December 5, 1966 in Forbach, France) is a French singer. Kaas is one of the most successful French-speaking singers in the world. Stylistically her music is not classical chanson, but is closer to jazz, comparable with that of Lara Fabian. Since the appearance of her debut album Mademoiselle chante… in 1988 Kaas has sold more than 15 million records worldwide. She had her greatest success in Germany and Switzerland with her third album Je te dis vous, which reached 11th and 2nd place in the countries' charts respectively. A significant ingredient of her successful formula is her impressive stage presence; Kaas is almost constantly on tour internationally. In 2002 Kaas had her film debut in And now... Ladies and Gentlemen beside Jeremy Irons.
Kaas is currently on a world tour since the end of 2008 to promote her latest album kabaret. She represented France in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia and finished 8th with the song et s'il fallait le faire. The song received positive reviews in several newspapers and polls and a clear majority of 62% of all voters in a questionnaire believed in her chances to win the competition.

L'enterrement de Sidney Bechet
Patricia Kaas Lyrics

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A l'enterrement d'Sidney Bechet
Y'avait des flûtes des clarinettes
So long Big Man
A l'enterrement d'Sidney Bechet
Y'avait des putes et des poètes
Et des barmans

A l'enterrement d'Sidney Bechet

Y'avait Boris et sa trompette
A l'enterrement d'Sidney Bechet
On jouait de jazz rue d'la Huchette

A l'enterrement d'Sidney Bechet
Y'avait des petites fleurs des pâquerettes
So long Big Man
A l'enterrement d'Sidney Bechet
Personne n'est venu faire la quête
Pas vous m'ssieurs dames

Dans un club de la New Orleans
Au paradis des musiciens
Il a sûr'ment une place assise
Dans un orchestre qui se souvient

A l'enterrement d'Sidney Bechet
Y'avait des putes et des poètes
Et des barmans
A l'enterrement d'Sidney Bechet
Y'avait des flûtes des clarinettes

So long Big Man
So long Big Man

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Patricia Kaas's song "L'enterrement de Sidney Bechet" paint a vivid picture of the funeral of the legendary jazz musician Sidney Bechet. The song conveys a sense of mourning and celebration, as well as highlighting the unique impact Bechet had on the world of music.

In the first paragraph, the lyrics describe the scene at Bechet's funeral. It mentions the presence of flutes, clarinets, prostitutes, and poets. This combination of instruments and people reflects the diverse range of influences and experiences that Bechet had in his life. The phrase "So long Big Man" can be interpreted as a farewell to Bechet, acknowledging his significant contribution to the music world and his larger-than-life persona.

The second paragraph introduces Boris and his trumpet, suggesting that he was a close associate or friend of Bechet. The mention of jazz being played on Rue d'la Huchette implies that even in mourning, Bechet's music continued to echo through the streets of Paris. This highlights the enduring legacy and influence of his jazz style.

The third paragraph takes a turn, shifting the focus to New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. It mentions a club in the city being a paradise for musicians, suggesting that Bechet has found his place in the afterlife. The lyrics express the belief that Bechet's memory lives on within a heavenly orchestra that remembers and cherishes his musical contributions.

The final paragraph echoes the first, emphasizing the presence of prostitutes, poets, and bartenders at Bechet's funeral. This reflects the unconventional and diverse community that Bechet interacted with throughout his life. The repetition of "So long Big Man" serves as a poignant farewell, reinforcing the idea that Bechet's impact on the music world was immense and will continue to be remembered.

Overall, the lyrics of "L'enterrement de Sidney Bechet" pay tribute to the life, death, and musical legacy of Sidney Bechet. The song captures the atmosphere of his funeral, portraying both the sadness of loss and the celebration of his unique contributions to jazz music.

Line by Line Meaning