By Spencer Gowans and Carl Schubert
France is known for many things: the Eiffel Tower, exquisite patisserie and baked goods, and famous paintings; but what about its music? France’s music scene has always been prominent with French music dating back to the 10th century. Music has changed immensely since then, transforming from traditional and classical to a melodic medium that spreads the words of those who came before, and those who will lead to the future. Throughout the world, music has the power to bring people together through storytelling, emotions, and hope. Here’s a collection of French music that does just this.
On Verra Bien- Amir
Amir Haddad is a French-Israeli singer who won the Best French Act at the MTV Europe Awards two years in a row: 2016 and 2017.
“On verra bien,” which translates to “We’ll See,” was released in 2020 on Amir’s fourth studio album, Ressources. The lyrics reveal a story of perseverance and hope, something that many needed during this past year.
Some of our favorite lyrics:
“C’est que bien souvent, le bien se trouve dans le malheur”
“It is that very often, the good is found in the misfortune”
“Ce que l’on retient fera ce que l’on devient/
Tu sais, le cœur est magique, il recoud ses blessures au fil doré/
Cherche la lueur et insiste, t’es encore plus beau rafistolé”
“What we remember will make what we become/
You know, the heart is magic, it sews up its wounds with the golden thread/
Look for the glow and insist, you’re even more beautiful patched up”
Ensemble- Shy’m
Shy’m is a French singer whose music is inspired by both her French and Martinique heritage. She’s also a three time Francophone Female Artist of the Year award winner at the NRJ Music Awards. Her song “Ensemble,” which in english translates to “Together,” was released in 2020. This song has a similar message to Amir’s “On verra bien,” but goes deeper not only into the importance of fighting for what you believe in, but the significance of the phrase “Stronger Together.”
Shy’m’s music video of “Ensemble” shows immense symbolism of the importance of togetherness.
La Vie en Rose- Edith Piaf
On a more traditional note, Edith Piaf, one of France’s most well known singers, goes deep into the feelings of love, heartbreak, and sorrow in her song “La Vie en Rose”. She has become one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century, and her song was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. “La Vie en Rose,” which translates to “Life in Pink,” is a song of true love.
Some of our favorite lyrics:
“Des nuits d’amour à plus finir, Un grand bonheur qui prend sa place/
Des ennuis, des chagrins s’effacent, Heureux, heureux à en mourir”
“Nights of endless love, A great happiness that takes its place/
Trouble, sorrow fades away, Happy, happy to die”
Gims – Jasmine
To rap (wrap) everything up let’s look at Gims, more likely known by his full stage name Maître Gims. His genre is hip hop/rap, and has been releasing music since september 2007. He received an original song of the year award for his song “Sapés Comme Jamais”.
Some of our favorite lyrics:
“La journée d’aujourd’hui est bien pire que celle d’hier”
“The present day is much worse than that of the past”
“Et tu me rappelles vaguement, mmh, Princesse Jasmine”
“And you remind me vaguely of mmmh Princess Jasmine”
OTHER RECOMMENDED SONGS:
“On a mangé le soleil” -Cephaz
“Papaoutai” -Stromae
“Merci” -Stéphane Léger
“Peux-tu me dire?” -21 Juin Le Duo
“Nous” -21 Juin Le Duo
“On t’emmène” -Trois Cafés Gourmands
“+ La Vie” -Ichon
“Pres des etoiles” -Mickaël Pouvin & Jérôme Clerville
“Imagine” -Zaz
“Sous le ciel de Paris” -Edith Piaf
“Arbre” -Amay Laoni
“Tahiti” -Keen’ V