Chanson Du Jour 10/26/2016: Pauline Croze performing “La Javanaise”
I think Serge Gainsbourg’s songwriting was at its best when he wasn’t attempting to shock with his “audio vérité” smutty songs. While 1967’s ” Je t’aime, Moi Non Plus” feels a bit skeevy today, “La Javanaise” feels like a cool breeze while walking along the Left Bank.
In this great 2010 clip from French TV’s Nouveaux Talents, Pauline Croze’ soulful wordless verse (1:35 to 2:20) is particularly merveilleux. Other good versions? Give a Spotify listen to Gainsbourg’s original and also one from (wait for it… wait for it…) Iggy Pop!
Here’s an English translation to the lyric:
The Javanise
I admit I went through hell, didn’t you my love ?
Before I caught wind of you (met you) my love.
Whether it pleases your or not
In dancing the Javanaise
We loved each other for the length of a song
In your opinion what have we seen of love?
From you to me you really had me going (you had me fooled) my love
Whether it pleases your or not
In dancing the Javanaise
We loved each other for the length of a song
Alas, April in vain dedicates me to love
I wanted to see that love in you my love
Whether it pleases your or not
In dancing the Javanaise
We loved each other for the length of a song
Life is not worth living without love
But you’re are the one who wanted it that way my love
Whether it pleases your or not
In dancing the Javanaise
We loved each other for the length of a song
Pas De Merde 