Fernande

Georges Brassens, a renowned French singer-songwriter, is known for his witty, often provocative lyrics that blend humor with social commentary. 'Fernande' is a quintessential example of his style, where he uses playful language and repetition to explore themes of desire and human nature. The song revolves around the narrator's candid confessions about his physical reactions to thinking about different women, juxtaposed with the one woman, Lulu, who does not elicit the same response.

The lyrics are straightforward yet layered with Brassens' characteristic irony. The repeated line 'Quand je pense à Fernande, je bande' (When I think of Fernande, I get aroused) is both humorous and a commentary on the uncontrollable nature of human desire. Brassens uses the names of different women to illustrate the unpredictability of attraction, emphasizing that 'La bandaison papa, ça n'se commande pas' (Arousal, dad, can't be commanded). This refrain underscores the theme that physical reactions are beyond one's control, a natural part of human experience.

Brassens also weaves in various characters, such as the lighthouse keeper and the seminarian, to show that this theme of uncontrollable desire is universal, affecting people from all walks of life. The song's playful tone and repetitive structure make it memorable, while its candidness about a typically taboo subject challenges societal norms. By suggesting that this song could be a 'hymne national' (national anthem), Brassens humorously proposes that acknowledging and accepting human desires should be a collective, normalized experience.

'Fernande' is a testament to Brassens' ability to blend humor with deeper reflections on human nature, making it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with listeners.