He draws most of his inspiration from artists like Renaud or George Brassens to write songs about racism, origins...
He was consacrated revelation of the year for the "Victoires de la Musique" in 2005.
His second album, L'Ange de mon Démon was released on March 19th, 2007.
His third album "L'un et L'autre" was released in 2009.
Le Petit Malandrin
Ridan Lyrics
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Arrivant de très loin, des contrées éperdues
Il expose sa Cour comme on expose ses valets
Où la dame de cœur finirait bien par tomber à pic
Il a la chance d'un trèfle qui trompe le destin
Il jure des louanges à ces gueux affamés
Il promet la luxure aux amis des damnés
Jusqu'au jour où le peuple en décida la fin
Mais qui sonne à la porte? Demanda son Altesse
Ce ne sont que ces gens, répondit le servant
Qui voudraient qu'avec eux tu partages ton pain
Réponds leur que demain si peut-être il fait beau
Je ferai une audience pour nourrir leur faim
Ils se rongent les doigts arrivant jusqu'aux mains
D'avoir cru qu'en cet homme on verrait un humain.
In Ridan's song "Le Petit Malandrin," the lyrics describe a character who arrives from a distant land and presents himself as a powerful figure. He treats his courtiers and subjects with disdain, and speaks highly of the destitute people he encounters. He makes promises of luxury to those who are considered damned, and is viewed as a malicious and deceitful character. However, as time goes on, the people become outraged with his behavior, and they bring an end to his oppressive reign.
Throughout the song, the character is referred to as "Le Petit Malandrin," which can be translated as "The Little Rascal." The lyrics suggest that he is a petty and cunning individual, who uses his charm to manipulate those around him. The line "Il expose sa Cour comme on expose ses valets" suggests that he treats his courtiers and followers like they are objects to be displayed, and not human beings with emotions and free will.
The song paints a picture of a tyrannical figure who is eventually brought down by the people he has wronged. It highlights the dangers of corruption and greed, and serves as a warning against those who would abuse their power for personal gain.
Line by Line Meaning
Je le vois descendant de la calèche des Rois,
I see him descending from the carriage of the Kings,
Arrivant de très loin, des contrées éperdues
coming from afar, from lost lands
Il expose sa Cour comme on expose ses valets
He displays his Court like one displays his servants
Où la dame de cœur finirait bien par tomber à pic
Where the Queen of hearts would fall perfectly
Il a la chance d'un trèfle qui trompe le destin
He has the luck of a clover that deceives destiny
Il jure des louanges à ces gueux affamés
He swears praises to these hungry beggars
Il promet la luxure aux amis des damnés
He promises luxury to the friends of the damned
Jusqu'au jour où le peuple en décida la fin
Until the day when the people decided it was the end
A l'offense céleste du petit malandrin
At the celestial offense of the little rascal
Mais qui sonne à la porte? Demanda son Altesse
But who is knocking on the door? Asked his Highness
Ce ne sont que ces gens, répondit le servant
It's just these people, answered the servant
Qui voudraient qu'avec eux tu partages ton pain
Who would like you to share your bread with them
Réponds leur que demain si peut-être il fait beau
Tell them that tomorrow, if maybe the weather is nice
Je ferai une audience pour nourrir leur faim
I will grant them an audience to feed their hunger
Ils se rongent les doigts arrivant jusqu'aux mains
They gnaw their fingers up to their hands
D'avoir cru qu'en cet homme on verrait un humain.
For having believed that in this man, they would see a human being.
Contributed by Victoria V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.