Vieux

Jacques Brel

About Vieux

Les Vieux (The Old Folks) is a 1963 song written and performed by Jacques Brel. It appeared on the album Les Bonbons and was co-composed with Brel's frequent collaborative musicians Gérard Jouannest and Jean Corti.


Year:
1998
4:34
22 

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Les vieux ne parlent plus 
Ou alors seulement 
Parfois du bout des yeux,
Même riches ils sont pauvres, 
Ils n'ont plus d'illusions, 
Et n'ont qu'un cœur pour deux.
Chez eux ça sent le thym, 
Le propre, la lavande, 
Et le verbe d'antan,
Que l'on vive à Paris, 
On vit tous en province 
Quand on vit trop longtemps.
Est-ce d'avoir trop ri 
Que leur voix se lézarde 
Quand ils parlent d'hier?
Et d'avoir trop pleuré 
Que des larmes encore 
Leur perlent les paupières?
Et s'ils tremblent un peu 
Est-ce de voir vieillir 
La pendule d'argent
Qui ronronne au salon, 
Qui dit oui, qui dit non, 
Qui dit "Je vous attends".

Les vieux ne rêvent plus, 
Leurs livres s'ensommeillent, 
Leurs pianos sont fermés,
Le petit chat est mort. 
Le muscat du dimanche 
Ne les fait plus chanter,
Les vieux ne bougent plus, 
Leurs gestes ont trop de rides, 
Leur monde est trop petit,
Du lit à la fenêtre, 
Puis du lit au fauteuil, 
Et puis du lit au lit,
Et s'ils sortent encore 
Bras dessus, bras dessous, 
Tout habillés de raide,
C'est pour suivre au soleil 
L'enterrement d'un plus vieux, 
L'enterrement d'une plus laide,
Et le temps d'un sanglot 
Oublier toute une heure 
La pendule d'argent
Qui ronronne au salon, 
Qui dit oui, qui dit non, 
Et puis qui les attend.

Les vieux ne meurent pas, 
Ils s'endorment un jour 
Et dorment trop longtemps,
Ils se tiennent la main, 
Ils ont peur de se perdre, 
Et se perdent pourtant
Et l'autre reste là, 
Le meilleur ou le pire, 
Le doux ou le sévère,
Cela n'importe pas, 
Celui des deux qui reste 
Se retrouve en enfer.
Vous le verrez peut-être, 
Vous le verrez parfois 
En pluie et en chagrin
Traverser le présent. 
En s'excusant déjà 
De n'être pas plus loin.
Et fuir devant vous 
Une dernière fois 
La pendule d'argent
Qui ronronne au salon, 
Qui dit oui, qui dit non, 
Qui leur dit "Je t'attends",
Qui ronronne au salon, 
Qui dit oui, qui dit non, 
Et puis qui nous attend

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Jacques Brel

Jacques Brel (French pronunciation: ​[ʒak bʁɛl]; 8 April 1929 – 9 October 1978) was a Belgian singer-songwriter who composed and performed literate, thoughtful, and theatrical songs that generated a large, devoted following in France initially, and later throughout the world. He was widely considered a master of the modern chanson. Although he recorded most of his songs in French, he became a major influence on English-speaking songwriters and performers such as David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Marc Almond and Rod McKuen. English translations of his songs were recorded by many top performers in the United States, including Ray Charles, Judy Collins, John Denver, the Kingston Trio, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Scott Walker, and Andy Williams. In French-speaking coun… more »

3 fans

Written by: Gerard Jouannest, Jacques Roman Brel, Jean Corti

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
"Vieux" is a song by Jacques Brel, a Belgian singer-songwriter who was considered a master of the modern chanson. The song, also known as "Les Vieux", is from his "Les Bonbons" album released in 1966.
Linguistic Aspect
Like much of Brel's work, "Vieux" is sung in French, which is reflective of his Belgian heritage. The title "Vieux" means "old" in French, serving as a key to the song's theme.
Song Theme
"Vieux" explores the theme of old age. Brel powerfully depicts the loneliness and melancholy of the elderly, providing a poignant commentary on the inevitability of aging.
Songwriting Prowess
The song showcases Brel's ability to weave intricate, emotional narratives through his lyrics. This is evident in how he manages to humanize the image of the elderly, portraying them not as mere old people but as individuals rich with history and sentiment.
Musical Style
"Vieux" exemplifies Brel's unique music style. He is known for his expressive singing and dramatic presentation, both of which enhance the emotional impact of the song.
Cultural Significance
Brel's song holds cultural significance in the French-speaking world. Its profound depiction of old age resonates with many listeners, contributing to its enduring popularity even decades after its release.
Reception
The song is well-received and is considered to be one of Brel's most moving works. Its poignant exploration of old age continues to touch the hearts of listeners, reaffirming Brel's legacy as one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century.
Live Performances
Known for his intense live performances, Brel’s rendition of "Vieux" has often been lauded for its authenticity and deep emotional resonance.
Cover Versions
The depth and universality of "Vieux" have led to numerous cover versions by various artists, highlighting the song's enduring appeal and influence.
Legacy
"Vieux" has become synonymous with the cultural portrayal of old age, further solidifying Jacques Brel's standing as an influential figure in music history.

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