Initials B.B.

Serge Gainsbourg

About Initials B.B.

Initials B. B. is a 1968 song by Serge Gainsbourg. It was the opening single of his album Initials B. B. and is about French actress and sex symbol Brigitte Bardot, who was so famous at the time that her initials were enough to know whom people referred to. Gainsbourg once had an affair with her and this was his way of expressing how he felt about it.


Year:
1997
3:33

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

Une nuit que j'étais
À me morfondre
Dans quelque pub anglais
Du cœur de Londres
Parcourant l'Amour Monstre de Pauwels
Me vint une vision
Dans l'eau de Seltz

The initials, the initials, the initials B.B
The initials, the initials, the initials B.B

Tandis que des médailles
D'impérator
Font briller à sa taille
Le bronze et l'or
Le platine lui grave
D'un cercle froid
La marque des esclaves
À chaque doigt

The initials, the initials, the initials B.B
The initials, the initials, the initials B.B

Jusques en haut des cuisses
Elle est bottée
Et c'est comme un calice
À sa beauté
Elle ne porte rien
D'autre qu'un peu
D'essence de Guerlain
Dans les cheveux

The initials, the initials, the initials B.B
The initials, the initials, the initials B.B

À chaque mouvement
On entendait
Les clochettes d'argent
De ses poignets
Agitant ses grelots
Elle avança
Et prononça ce mot
"Alméria"

The initials, the initials, the initials B.B
The initials, the initials, the initials B.B

The initials, the initials, the initials B.B
The initials, the initials, the initials B.B

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


Serge Gainsbourg

Serge Gainsbourg, born Lucien Ginsburg (French pronunciation: ​[sɛʁʒ ɡɛ̃sbuʁ]; 2 April 1928 – 2 March 1991) was a French singer, songwriter, poet, composer, artist, actor and director. Regarded as one of the most important figures in French popular music, he was renowned for his often provocative and scandalous releases, as well as his diverse artistic output, which embodied genres ranging from jazz, chanson, pop and yé-yé, to reggae, funk, rock, electronic and disco music. Gainsbourg's extremely varied musical style and individuality make him difficult to categorize. His legacy has been firmly established, and he is often regarded as one of the world's most influential popular musicians. more »

1 fan

Written by: Serge Gainsbourg

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


21 facts about this song

Creation
"Initials B.B." was written and performed by French singer and songwriter Serge Gainsbourg.
Inspiration
The song was inspired by Gainsbourg's relationship with Brigitte Bardot, a famous French actress, singer, and fashion model. The initials "B.B." in the title stand for Brigitte Bardot.
Album
"Initials B.B." was the title track of Gainsbourg's 1968 album.
Genre
The song is categorized as French pop music, and is characterized by its lush orchestration and intense lyrics.
Cultural Impact
"Initials B.B." is widely considered a classic of French pop music and is one of Gainsbourg's most famous songs.
Style
Gainsbourg uses the orchestral backdrop to heighten the emotional intensity of the lyrics detailing his heartbreak due to the end of his affair with Bardot.
Cover Versions
Many notable artists over the decades have covered the song, including famed musicians like Mick Harvey and Marianne Faithfull.
Revival
The song experienced a revival in the late 1990s, when it was used in an advert for Guinness, a famous beer brand, which increased its familiarity with a new generation of listeners.
Influence
Gainsbourg's narrative style and dramatic orchestration in "Initials B.B." influenced other pop musicians worldwide and played a significant role in shaping future music trends.
Symbolism
The song’s lyrics use the season of spring as a metaphor for the blossoming and eventual end of Gainsbourg's relationship with Bardot.
Genre
"Initials B.B." is a unique blend of French pop and orchestral music, showcasing Serge Gainsbourg's love for experimenting with different music styles.
Inspiration
The song was heavily inspired by Gainsbourg's love affair with the French actress Brigitte Bardot. The title "Initials B.B." directly refers to Bardot's initials.
Release
It was released in 1968, serving as a key representation of Gainsbourg's provocative style in music and personalities of the era.
Album Appearance
This track is also the title song for Gainsbourg's eighth studio album, "Initials B.B.", which reflects his transition from a conventional chansonnier to a more daring songwriter.
Lyrics
The poetic lyrics of "Initials B.B." are widely discussed and interpreted, given Gainsbourg's reputation as a gifted lyricist. The song is seen as a heart-wrenching tribute to his emotional bond with Bardot.
Orchestration
The song's orchestral elements show Gainsbourg's fascination with classical music. In fact, the song contains elements from "Dido's Lament" from the Baroque opera "Dido and Aeneas" by Henry Purcell.
Legacy
Gainsbourg's "Initials B.B." remains a landmark in French pop culture. The phrase "Initials B.B." is still synonymous with Brigitte Bardot in France and across the world.
Music Video
The original music video for "Initials B.B." is a black and white piece directed by famous French director Jean-Christophe Averty.
Cover Versions
"Initials B.B." has been covered by several artists over the years, including Mick Harvey, repeating its influence and popularity.
Language
Despite Gainsbourg's occasional use of the English language in his other songs, "Initials B.B." is performed entirely in French. It showcases his mastery of the French language and his ability to imbue it with profound emotion.
Bardot's Reaction
Although the song was inspired by and dedicated to Brigitte Bardot, her response to it was not publicly documented, adding a layer of enigma to the song's backstory.

Discuss the Initials B.B. Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

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

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Initials B.B. Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35260244/Serge+Gainsbourg/Initials+B.B.>.

    Missing lyrics by Serge Gainsbourg?

    Know any other songs by Serge Gainsbourg? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Initials B.B.

    1.1M
    8,289     507

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who commented the nicest comment on Olivia Rodrigo's drivers license?
    A Katy Perry
    B Ellie Goulding
    C Sabrina Carpenter
    D Taylor Swift

    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!

    Serge Gainsbourg tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!