Brave Margot

Georges Brassens' song "Brave Margot" tells the story of a young shepherdess named Margot who finds a kitten in the grass and adopts it. The song begins with Margot's innocent and nurturing act of opening her blouse to let the kitten suckle at her breast, as it would with its mother. This simple act of kindness, however, becomes the center of attention in her village, drawing the curiosity and voyeuristic gaze of the local men. They gather daily to watch Margot feed the kitten, under the pretense of being interested in the cat, but clearly, their true interest lies elsewhere.

Margot, depicted as naive and pure-hearted, believes the men are genuinely interested in the kitten. The song humorously yet critically portrays the men of the village, including the schoolmaster, the mayor, and even the gendarmes, who neglect their duties to witness this spectacle. Brassens uses this scenario to highlight the hypocrisy and moral decay within the community, as the men are captivated by Margot's innocent act, while the women of the village grow increasingly resentful of their husbands' and lovers' behavior.

The story takes a dark turn when the women, driven by jealousy and anger, decide to take matters into their own hands. They kill the kitten, ending the daily gatherings and forcing Margot to move on with her life. She eventually marries and reserves her affections for her husband alone. The song concludes with a reflection on how the event fades from collective memory, only to be recounted by the elderly to their grandchildren. Through "Brave Margot," Brassens critiques societal norms, the objectification of women, and the often hypocritical nature of public morality.