Le mauvais sujet repenti

Georges Brassens' song "Le mauvais sujet repenti" tells a vivid and somewhat cynical story of a man who takes a young woman under his wing to teach her the tricks of the trade in the world of prostitution. The song is rich with Brassens' characteristic wit and dark humor, painting a picture of a morally ambiguous world where survival often trumps virtue.

The protagonist encounters a young woman who is new to the streets, and he takes it upon himself to educate her in the ways of seduction and survival. He acknowledges her natural talent but emphasizes that without proper technique, her gift is nothing more than a bad habit. This mentorship is portrayed with a mix of condescension and genuine concern, reflecting the complex dynamics of power and dependency in their relationship.

As the story progresses, the woman becomes proficient in her trade, and they form a mutually beneficial partnership. However, their relationship takes a dark turn when she contracts a sexually transmitted disease and passes it on to him. This event serves as a catalyst for the man's transformation; he abandons his life of deceit and becomes 'honest,' leaving the woman to fend for herself. The song concludes with a lament on the decline of public morality, as the woman ends up in even more degrading circumstances, selling herself to police officers.

Brassens uses this narrative to explore themes of exploitation, morality, and the harsh realities of life on the margins of society. His lyrics are a blend of satire and social commentary, challenging the listener to reflect on the complexities of human behavior and societal norms.