Jacky

Jacques Brel

About Jacky

"Jacky" (La chanson de Jacky) (Translation: The song of Jacky) is a song written by the Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel and Gérard Jouannest. Brel recorded the song on 2 November 1965, and it was released on his 1966 album Ces Gens-Là. The song was translated from French into English and retitled "Jackie". The song has been covered a number of times, particularly in Europe. In the United States, the song's popularity grew through its appearance (as "Jackie") in the score of the off-Broadway revue Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, which opened on January 22, 1968.  


Year:
2005
3:24
30 
#1

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Même si un jour à Knokke-le-Zoute
Je deviens comme je le redoute
Chanteur pour femmes finissantes
Même si j'leur chante "Mi Corazon"
Avec la voix bandonéante
D'un Argentin de Carcassonne
Même si on m'appelle Antonio
Que je brûle mes derniers feux
En échange de quelques cadeaux
Madame, je fais ce que je peux
Même si j'me saoule à l'hydromel
Pour mieux parler d'virilité
A des mémères décorées
Comme des arbres de Noël
Je sais qu'dans ma soûlographie
Chaque nuit pour des éléphants roses
Je chanterai ma chanson morose
Celle du temps où j'm'appelais Jacky

Être une heure, une heure seulement
Être une heure, une heure quelquefois
Être une heure, rien qu'une heure durant
Beau, beau, beau et con à la fois

Même si un jour à Macao
J'deviens gouverneur de tripot
Cerclé de femmes languissantes
Même si lassé d'être chanteur
J'y sois devenu maître chanteur
Et qu'ce soit les autres qui chantent
Même si on m'appelle le beau Serge
Que je vende des bateaux d'opium
Du whisky de Clermont-Ferrand
De vrais pédés, de fausses vierges
Que j'aie une banque à chaque doigt
Et un doigt dans chaque pays
Et que chaque pays soit à moi
Je sais quand même que chaque nuit
Tout seul au fond de ma fumerie
Pour un public de vieux Chinois
Je rechanterai ma chanson à moi
Celle du temps où j'm'appelais Jacky

Être une heure, une heure seulement
Être une heure, une heure quelquefois
Être une heure, rien qu'une heure durant
Beau, beau, beau et con à la fois

Même si un jour au Paradis
J'devienne comme j'en serais surpris
Chanteur pour femmes à ailes blanches
Que je leur chante "Alléluia!"
En regrettant le temps d'en bas
Où c'est pas tous les jours dimanche
Même si on m'appelle Dieu le Père
Celui qui est dans l'annuaire
Entre "Dieulefit" et "Dieu vous garde"
Même si je m'laisse pousser la barbe
Même si toujours trop bonne pomme
Je m'crève le cœur et l'pur esprit
A vouloir consoler les hommes
Je sais quand même que chaque nuit
J'entendrai dans mon paradis
Les anges, les Saints et Lucifer
Me chanter la chanson d'naguère
Celle du temps où j'm'appelais Jacky

Être une heure, une heure seulement
Être une heure, une heure quelquefois
Être une heure, rien qu'une heure durant
Beau, beau, beau et con à la fois

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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, Gerard Jouannest

Lyrics © WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC FRANCE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


22 facts about this song

History
"Jacky" is a song written by the legendary Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel. Brel is considered one of the greatest chansonniers in French music history.
Release Year
The song was originally released in 1965. Despite its age, the song's catchy tune and profound lyrics have continued to resonate with audiences.
English Adaptation
An English adaptation of "Jacky," performed by Scott Walker, was released in 1967. This version has also achieved considerable popularity.
Influence
The song's unique blend of pop melodies and theatrical style is said to have influenced artists like David Bowie and Marc Almond.
Banned
The Scott Walker version of "Jacky" was banned by the BBC due to its suggestive lyrics. Despite this, it reached number 22 in the UK charts.
Public Perception
"Jacky" is the epitome of Brel's dark humor and hard-hitting social commentary wrapped in a bubblegum pop sound, making it a fan favorite.
Music Video
The music video for "Jacky" is as weird and wonderful as the song itself, with Brel expressing his bizarre sense of humor and theatrical style.
Album
"Jacky" was included in Brel's album "'Ces Gens-Là," which was his tenth studio album.
Themes
Similar to many of Brel's other songs, "Jacky" willfully exposes and mocks societal double standards and the perils of getting older.
Pop Culture
The song "Jacky" has been covered by several artists and it has also been used in many films and television series, making it part of pop culture history.
Soundtrack
"Jacky" was included in the soundtrack of the 1998 film "Velvet Goldmine," which starred Ewan McGregor and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
Brel's Reputation
"Jacky" is perfect proof of why Jacques Brel was one of the most influential figures in French music, offering a glimpse into his quirky style and lyrical genius.
Artist Background
Jacques Brel is a revered Belgian singer-songwriter, recognized for his insightful lyrics and thought-provoking themes. He was born on April 8, 1929, in Schaerbeek, Brussels, and passed away in 1978.
Song Origin
"Jacky" is a French song that was originally released by Jacques Brel in 1965. The song's full title in French is "La chanson de Jacky".
Language Versions
There's also an English version of the song performed by the artist himself, titled "Jacky".
Themes
Evoking images of nostalgia and grandiosity, the song "Jacky" contains overtones of unconventional love, youthful aspirations, and humble origins sharply contrasted with adulthood's disappointments.
Song Popularity
The song was well-received, tapping into the zeitgeist of the emerging counterculture of the 1960s and resonating with listeners with its honest and powerful lyrics.
Song Cover
Notably, the song was covered by British singer Marc Almond in 1991, which again created significant impact and popularity.
Music Video
Brel's own music video for the song featured him singing the lyrics while various fantastical and surreal images, including dancing girls and circus performers, played out around him. It became one of his most memorable performances.
Translated Versions
Apart from the English version by Brel and Almond's cover, "Jacky" has also been translated and performed in languages such as Dutch and German.
Cinematic Reference
Jacques Brel's "Jacky" was featured in the soundtrack of François Truffaut's 1968 film, Stolen Kisses, giving the song additional popularity and cultural significance.
Cultural Impact
The song "Jacky" is regarded as being emblematic of Jacques Brel's influential career, a showcase of his distinctive style, lyrical depth, and audacious persona that continued to influence generations of musicians and songwriters.

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