Sacha Distel (29 January 1933 – 22 July 2004), nephew of band leader Ray Ve… Read Full Bio ↴Sacha Distel (29 January 1933 – 22 July 2004), nephew of band leader Ray Ventura, was a French singer who had hits such as a cover version of the Academy Award winning "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" (originally recorded by B.J. Thomas) Frank & Nancy Sinatra's Something Stupid and "Scoubidou". He was born in Paris to

At age 16, Distel became a professional jazz guitarist. Over his career he worked alongside Dizzy Gillespie and Tony Bennett and appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in the late 1950s after establishing himself as a French crooner.

Sacha Distel had a much publicized relationship with actress Brigitte Bardot but in 1963 he married skier Francine Bréaud. He reputedly broke off the relationship with Bardot after discovering her with another man.

In the 1960s, he composed 'La Belle Vie', a tune that made its way across the Atlantic as 'The Good Life', and most famously performed by Tony Bennett. French lyrics were added in the 1970s and it became Distel's signature tune. During the 1960s, he had his own variety show on French television.

During the 1970s, he became popular outside France, and once hosted the Miss World contest in London. In this decade, he spent more time in the UK than in France. Considered a Gallic heart throb in Britain he was a regular on British TV

Distel remained reasonably popular in France in the 1980s and 1990s, including a new show named after his song 'La Belle Vie'.

In 2001, Distel had a part as lawyer Billy Flynn in the London production of the musical Chicago. He did have an ambition to make a musical about the life of Maurice Chevalier, but this remained unfulfilled at the time of his death.

Sacha Distel died on 22 July 2004 near St Tropez,after a long battle with cancer.

His name was used in Peter Sarstedt's song "Where Do You Go To My Lovely".

Ce serait dommage
Sacha Distel Lyrics

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Dépêche-toi, dépêche-toi...

Ce serait dommage oui bien dommage
De rester enfermé quand le printemps montre son nez
Ce serait dommage d'être aussi sage
Quand le vent parfumé chante partout la joie d'aimer

Voilà longtemps qu'un grand poète a dit

Cueille à présent les roses de la vie
Si tu attends tant pis pour toi
Un jour tu le regretteras

Ce serait dommage oui bien dommage
De laisser tout passer sans essayer d'en profiter
Et si ton cœur soudain s'emplit de joie
Ou que tes pleurs troublent tes yeux, parfois
Surtout, surtout ne t'en plains pas
C'est l'amour qui s'éveille en toi

Ce serait dommage oui bien dommage

De ne pas profiter du peu de temps qui t'est donné
Sors de ta cage... et viens aimer !

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sacha Distel's "Ce serait dommage" ("It would be a shame") urges listeners to seize the moment and embrace life, particularly in the springtime. The song begins with the repetition of "hurry up," emphasizing the urgency of this message. It would be a shame, says the song, to remain locked up indoors while springtime beckons with its fragrance and the joy of love. The lyrics encourage us not to be too prudent, but to take risks and make the most of the opportunities presented to us. The song quotes a famous poet, urging us to take advantage of the roses of life and not wait until it is too late. The chorus repeats the message that it would be a shame not to enjoy everything that life has to offer, with the suggestion to come out of our shells and experience love.

Overall, the lyrics of "Ce serait dommage" implore us to not miss out on the chance to live life to the fullest, especially when it comes to love. The song encourages the listener to not be afraid to take chances and not be too cautious, rather to seize the moment and make the most of the opportunities life presents.

Line by Line Meaning

Dépêche-toi, dépêche-toi...
Hurry up, hurry up...

Ce serait dommage oui bien dommage De rester enfermé quand le printemps montre son nez Ce serait dommage d'être aussi sage Quand le vent parfumé chante partout la joie d'aimer
It would be a shame, a big shame, To stay locked up when spring shows its face It would be a shame to be too wise When the perfumed wind sings the joy of love everywhere

Voilà longtemps qu'un grand poète a dit Cueille à présent les roses de la vie Si tu attends tant pis pour toi Un jour tu le regretteras
A great poet said long ago Gather the roses of life now If you wait, too bad for you One day you will regret it

Ce serait dommage oui bien dommage De laisser tout passer sans essayer d'en profiter Et si ton cœur soudain s'emplit de joie Ou que tes pleurs troublent tes yeux, parfois Surtout, surtout ne t'en plains pas C'est l'amour qui s'éveille en toi
It would be a shame, a big shame To let everything pass without trying to enjoy it And if your heart suddenly fills with joy Or if your tears sometimes cloud your eyes Above all, do not complain It's love awakening in you

Ce serait dommage oui bien dommage De ne pas profiter du peu de temps qui t'est donné Sors de ta cage... et viens aimer !
It would be a shame, a big shame Not to take advantage of the little time you have Get out of your cage... and come love!

Contributed by Elena T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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