J'attendrai

Rina Ketty

About J'attendrai

"J'attendrai" (French for "I will wait") is a popular French song first recorded by Rina Ketty in 1938. It became the big French song during World War II; a counterpart to Lale Andersen's Lili Marleen in Germany and Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again in Britain. "J'attendrai" is actually a French version of the Italian song "Tornerai" (Italian for "You Will Return") ISWC: T-005.001.119-2 composed by Dino Olivieri (music) and Nino Rastelli (lyrics) in 1936, said to be inspired from the Humming Chorus of Puccini's Opera "Madame Butterfly". It was first recorded in 1937 by both Carlo Buti and Trio Lescano (accompanied by the Italian jazz quartet Quartetto Jazz Funaro), and become a huge hit in Italy. The French lyrics were written by Louis Poterat, and "J'attendrai" became an instant success. Rina Ketty's version was followed the same year by one of Belgian chanteuse Anne Clercy, and both Tino Rossi and Jean Sablon recorded it in 1939. When France was occupied in 1940, it quickly became the big French war song, with the love song's title being interpreted as meaning waiting for peace and/or liberation. 


Year:
2007
3:00
#2

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

J'attendrai
Le jour et la nuit, j'attendrai toujours
Ton retour
J'attendrai
Car l'oiseau qui s'enfuit vient chercher l'oubli
Dans son nid
Le temps passe et court
En battant tristement
Dans mon cœur si lourd
Et pourtant, j'attendrai
Ton retour

Les fleurs palissent
Le feu s'éteint
L'ombre se glisse
Dans le jardin
L'horloge tisse
Des sons très las
Je crois entendre ton pas
Le vent m'apporte
Des bruits lointains
Guettant ma porte
J'écoute en vain
Helas, plus rien
Plus rien ne vient

J'attendrai
Le jour et la nuit, j'attendrai toujours
Ton retour
J'attendrai
Car l'oiseau qui s'enfuit vient chercher l'oubli
Dans son nid
Le temps passe et court
En battant tristement
Dans mon cœur si lourd
Et pourtant, j'attendrai
Ton retour

Reviens bien vite
Les jours sont froids
Et sans limite
Les nuits sans toi
Quand on se quitte
On n'oublie tout
Mais revenir est si doux
Si ma tristesse
Peut t'émouvoir
Avec tendresse
Reviens un soir
Et dans tes bras
Tout renaîtra

Le temps passe et court
En battant tristement
Dans mon cœur si lourd
Et pourtant, j'attendrai
Ton retour

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Rina Ketty

Rina Ketty (1 March 1911 – 23 December 1996), whose real name was Cesarina Picchetto, was an Italian singer, notably of the legendary song J'attendrai. The song reached superstatus during World War II and was appreciated by Allied soldiers and Axis soldiers alike (equalled only by Lale Andersen's Lili Marleen and perhaps by Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again). more »

1 fan

Written by: Dino Olivieri, Louis Poterat, Nino Rastelli

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


25 facts about this song

Historical Significance
"J'Attendrai" is a renowned song originally performed by Rina Ketty in 1938. The song quickly hit the charts and became a classic in French music history.
World War II Relevance
The song gained particular eminence during World War II. The message of longing and waiting resonated with many individuals during the war, making it an anthem for separated lovers and families.
International Success
Although the song is in French, it achieved international acclaim as well. Its haunting melody and relatable theme transcended language barriers, reaching audiences across the globe.
Origin of Song
"J'Attendrai" was a French adaptation of an Italian song titled "Tornerai" which had been released in 1936, two years before "J'Attendrai". The lyrics for "J'attendrai" were written by Louis Poterat.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered "J'Attendrai" since its initial release, including Dalida (a greatly known French-Italian singer) and Jean Sablon. The vast array of covers of this song reflects its timeless relevance and popularity.
Cultural Impact
The song is often associated with the era of "la chanson française" (the French song), an important period in French music that was characterized by lyric-driven songs and emotional performances.
Film References
It has been featured in several films and TV series over the years due to its emotional impact, including in the highly successful movie, "Sarah's Key" (2010).
Rina Ketty's Career
Though the Italian-born French singer, Rina Ketty, had several hits, "J'Attendrai" is often considered her signature song, propelling her to widespread fame.
Technological Significance
The song was a big hit during the time when radio broadcasting was becoming widespread, adding to its popularity. Its reach was also extended with its release on the 78 rpm record format.
Translation
"J'Attendrai" translates to "I Will Wait" in English, encapsulating the song's central message of patience and endurance in the face of separation.
Genre Classification
"J'Attendrai" by Rina Ketty is often classified under the genre of traditional French chanson.
Historical Significance
Released in 1938, "J'Attendrai" became a hit throughout Europe and was especially popular in France during World War II.
Artist's Background
Rina Ketty, the singer of "J'Attendrai", was born in Turin, Italy in 1911 and later moved to France in the 1930s to pursue her career in music.
Cover Versions
The song "J'Attendrai" has been covered by many artists, including Dalida and Jean Sablon.
Language Use
Despite being performed by an Italian singer, the song is entirely in French.
Track Definition
The title "J'Attendrai" translates to "I will wait".
Musical Accompaniment
The original version of "J'Attendrai" is accompanied by a large orchestra.
Song Theme
The song is about unrequited love and longing for a loved one who is far away.
Cultural Impact
"J'Attendrai" is considered a classic in French music and is frequently included in collections of popular French songs.
Influence on Popular Culture
This song was used in 2007 in a public service announcement for the BBC to signify the change from analogue to digital broadcasting.
Duration
The song "J'Attendrai" by Rina Ketty has a duration of approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
Record label
It was first released under the record label of Columbia Records.
Other Versions
An instrumental version of the song was used as the opening theme for the British sitcom "'Allo 'Allo!" which aired in the 1980's.
Popularity
Despite being released in 1938, the song continues to be popular and it's instrumental version is often performed at weddings and celebrations.
Rerelease
The song was rereleased in several countries many decades after its initial release due to its enduring popularity.

Discuss the J'attendrai Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "J'attendrai Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28266292/Rina+Ketty/J%27attendrai>.

    Missing lyrics by Rina Ketty?

    Know any other songs by Rina Ketty? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    J'attendrai

    226.4K
    2,747     65

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Music" is a 1976 biggest hit single by which artist?
    A Peter Gabriel
    B John Miles
    C Jon Anderson
    D Barry Ryan

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Rina Ketty tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    J'attendrai

    »