Plat Pays

Jacques Brel

About Plat Pays

"Le Plat Pays" (Translation: The Flat Country) is a French-language song by Belgian singer Jacques Brel about his home country. It also exists in a Dutch-language version as "Mijn vlakke land" ("My Flat Country"), also performed by him. The French lyrics are by Jacques Brel, the Dutch lyrics by Ernst van Altena.


Year:
2006
57 
#2

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

Avec la mer du Nord pour dernier terrain vague
Et des vagues de dunes pour arrêter les vagues
Et de vagues rochers que les marées dépassent
Et qui ont à jamais le cœur à marée basse
Avec infiniment de brumes à venir
Avec le vent de l'est écoutez-le tenir
Le plat pays qui est le mien

Avec des cathédrales pour uniques montagnes
Et de noirs clochers comme mâts de cocagne
Où des diables en pierre décrochent les nuages
Avec le fil des jours pour unique voyage
Et des chemins de pluie pour unique bonsoir
Avec le vent d'ouest écoutez-le vouloir
Le plat pays qui est le mien

Avec un ciel si bas qu'un canal s'est perdu
Avec un ciel si bas qu'il fait l'humilité
Avec un ciel si gris qu'un canal s'est pendu
Avec un ciel si gris qu'il faut lui pardonner
Avec le vent du nord qui vient s'écarteler
Avec le vent du nord écoutez-le craquer
Le plat pays qui est le mien

Avec de l'Italie qui descendrait l'Escaut
Avec Frida la Blonde quand elle devient Margot
Quand les fils de novembre nous reviennent en mai
Quand la plaine est fumante et tremble sous juillet
Quand le vent est au rire quand le vent est au blé
Quand le vent est au sud écoutez-le chanter
Le plat pays qui est le mien.

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


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: Jacques Brel

Lyrics © SEMI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Basics
"Plat Pays" is a song by Jacques Brel, a Belgian singer, songwriter, and actor popular in the late 20th century. The title translates to "Flat Country" in English.
Released Date
The song "Plat Pays" was released in 1962, demonstrating Brel's journey into the prime of his career.
Album Name
"Plat Pays" features on the album "Les Bourgeois," which is one of Brel's most popular albums and a significant representative of the French Chanson genre.
Song Theme
The song is believed to be written about Brel's home country, Belgium, particularly the flat landscapes of his native Flanders region.
Language
It is sung in French, the primary language of Jacques Brel's catalogue, reflecting the language and culture of much of Belgium.
Critical Reception
"Plat Pays" is considered one of Jacques Brel's masterpieces, notable for its poetic lyricism and emotional resonance.
Brel's Personal Relations
The song reflects Brel's complex relationship with his homeland, celebrating its beauty while also evoking a sense of melancholy and nostalgia.
Musical Style
"Plat Pays" is characteristic of Brel's style, deftly combining passionate delivery, evocative lyrics, and rich, sophisticated melodies.
Cultural Impact
The song's sentimental depiction of Belgium has made it a beloved classic in the country and an emblem of national pride.
Continual Influence
"Plat Pays" has influenced a generation of French-speaking artists and continues to be covered by contemporary singers, reflecting its enduring popularity and impact on French music.

Discuss the Plat Pays Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

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

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Plat Pays Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31791265/Jacques+Brel/Plat+Pays>.

    Missing lyrics by Jacques Brel?

    Know any other songs by Jacques Brel? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Plat Pays

    2.2M
    6,940     287

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    The song "Hey Jude" by the Beatles was sung by?
    A George Harrison
    B John Lennon
    C Paul McCartney
    D Ringo Starr

    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!

    Jacques Brel tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!