Le Plat Pays

Jacques Brel

About Le 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:
2000
2:44
93 
#1

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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.

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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: Jacques Brel

Lyrics © SEMI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Background Information
"Le Plat Pays" is a song written by the legendary Belgian singer Jacques Brel, who continues to be revered for his profound impact on the French-speaking music world.
Language Use
The song, as with most of Brel's work, is sung in French. Even though he was Flemish, he managed to rank among the most famous French-speaking singers.
Song's Release
"Le Plat Pays" was first released as a track on Brel's 1962 album "Les Bourgeois".
Song's Title
The title of the song, "Le Plat Pays," which translates as "The Flat Country," is a reference to Brel's homeland, Belgium. The country is notably flat, especially in the region of Flanders.
Song's Theme
"Le Plat Pays" is one of Brel's many homages to his homeland, and it displays a profound love and nostalgia for Belgium. The lyrics evoke the unique and sometimes harsh beauty of the Belgian landscape.
Music Style
"Le Plat Pays" is characteristic of Brel's style, with his notable deep voice set against a background of rich, often somber instrumental music.
Notable Lyrics
The song opens with, "Avec, pour unique ciel de plomb," meaning "With only a leaden sky". It depicts the often grey skies of Belgium, which is a recurring theme in the song.
International Impact
Despite Brel's songs being in French, his music has had a significant international impact, with many of his songs being translated into numerous languages, including English, and covered by artists around the world.
Personal Significance
"Le Plat Pays" is generally considered one of Brel's most personal and evocative songs due to its vivid and nostalgic portrayal of his homeland.
Brel's Legacy
Jacques Brel, who passed away in October 1978, left behind a wealth of music, including "Le Plat Pays". His music continues to be celebrated and rediscovered by new generations of fans and musicians alike.

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