Pauvre Martin

Georges Brassens

About Pauvre Martin

Pauvre Martin (″Poor Martin″) is a 1953 song by the French singer Georges Brassens. It first appeared on his album Le Vent. In this sad and melancholic song, inspired by the work of François Villon, Brassens evokes the situation of agricultural workers and small landowners who toil on small farms and who derive a living wage, modestly, without complaint. The song has been covered by Barbara in 1969.


Year:
2011
1:40
112 
#3

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Avec une bêche à l'épaule
Avec, à la lèvre, un doux chant
Avec, à la lèvre, un doux chant
Avec, à l'âme, un grand courage
Il s'en allait trimer aux champs

Pauvre Martin, pauvre misère
Creuse la terre, creuse le temps

Pour gagner le pain de sa vie
De l'aurore jusqu'au couchant
De l'aurore jusqu'au couchant
Il s'en allait bêcher la terre
En tous les lieux, par tous les temps

Pauvre Martin, pauvre misère
Creuse la terre, creuse le temps

Sans laisser voir, sur son visage
Ni l'air jaloux ni l'air méchant
Ni l'air jaloux ni l'air méchant
Il retournait le champ des autres
Toujours bêchant, toujours bêchant

Pauvre Martin, pauvre misère
Creuse la terre, creuse le temps

Et quand la mort lui a fait signe
De labourer son dernier champ
De labourer son dernier champ
Il creusa lui-même sa tombe
En faisant vite, en se cachant

Pauvre Martin, pauvre misère
Creuse la terre, creuse le temps

Il creusa lui-même sa tombe
En faisant vite, en se cachant
En faisant vite, en se cachant
Et s'y étendit sans rien dire
Pour ne pas déranger les gens

Pauvre Martin, pauvre misère
Dors sous la terre, dors sous le temps

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Georges Brassens

Georges Brassens (French pronunciation: ​[ʒɔʁʒ bʁasɛ̃s]), 22 October 1921 – 29 October 1981), was a French singer-songwriter and poet. more »

3 fans

Written by: Georges Brassens

Lyrics © WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC FRANCE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
"Pauvre Martin" is a memorable song from the repertoire of Barbara, a significant figure in the French popular music scene.
Co-Artist Contribution
The French singer-songwriter Georges Brassens also performs a rendition of "Pauvre Martin". Brassens is known for his role in pushing the French chanson genre forward.
Release Date
"Pauvre Martin" by Barbara was released in 1970. The song is included in her album titled "L'Aigle Noir."
Song Contents
The song presents a melancholy tale, revolving around the life of a poor peasant named Martin. It vividly describes the hardships that Martin faces each day.
Language
"Pauvre Martin" is in French. The song showcases the artistic value and depth that the French language provides when conveying emotions and narrative through music.
Popularity in France
Both Barbara and Georges Brassens' versions of "Pauvre Martin" are quite popular in France and French-speaking countries, contributing to their enduring reputation within French music history.
Musical Style
The song "Pauvre Martin" aligns with both Barbara and Georges Brassens' traditional French chanson style. The genre is known for its emotive delivery, crisp vocals, and narrative lyrics.
Significance of Barbara and Georges Brassens
Barbara and Georges Brassens were contemporaries in the French music scene. Both of them independently made significant contributions to the chanson genre. They were highly respected and their music continues to reverberate in French culture today.
Cover Versions
Several renowned artists have covered "Pauvre Martin" over the years, demonstrating its enduring appeal. These renditions further contribute to the rich history associated with this song.
Barbara’s Emotive Connection to "Pauvre Martin
For Barbara, "Pauvre Martin" was more than just a song. She often sang it with deep emotion, reflecting her empathy for the struggles faced by the character Martin. Her poignant performances of this song earned her wide acclaim.

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