The Voice of the People

Abstract

Mainly an analysis of songs produced in France and then Britain and the USA in the genres of chanson and folk respectively. The centrality of chanson in French culture is introduced before going on to consider the work of three iconic chansonnieres: Jacques Brel, Léo Ferré and Georges Brassens. Brassens’ ‘La Guerre de 14–18’ and his utilisation of ironic humour is compared with its English translation by Michael Flanders and his style and approach with that of Italian Fabrizio De André. The songs of other key French chansonnieres are discussed, including Barbara, Juliette, Dominique Grange and Charles Aznavour (the last in relation to the Armenian genocide). More recent French artists are covered, notably for their use of key French myths (especially the Battle of Verdun) and transnational themes. They include Moussu T et lei Jovents, Jean-Jaques Goldman and Manau. The chapter then considers Anglo-Saxon folk artists, most notably Bob Dylan, Eric Bogle, Shirley Collins, June Tabor, Mike Harding and Al Stewart.