Les Flamandes

Jacques Brel's song 'Les Flamandes' is a poignant exploration of tradition, societal expectations, and the cyclical nature of life in Flemish culture. The lyrics depict the lives of Flemish women at different stages, from youth to old age, and how their actions are dictated by societal norms and expectations. The repetitive nature of the dance symbolizes the unchanging and rigid structure of their lives, where each generation follows the same path laid out by their predecessors.

In the first verse, Brel describes young women dancing because they are twenty and it is expected that they get engaged, marry, and have children. This is not a choice but a directive from their parents, the church, and societal norms. The dance here is a metaphor for the conformity and lack of agency in their lives. The women do not speak or show emotion, highlighting their passive acceptance of their roles.

As the song progresses, the women age, but their dance continues. At thirty, they dance to show that everything is fine, that their children and crops are growing well. At seventy, they dance to demonstrate that their grandchildren are thriving and that they are still capable. Finally, at one hundred, they dance one last time before joining their ancestors. Throughout, the dance remains a symbol of their adherence to tradition and the expectations placed upon them by society and the church.

Brel's 'Les Flamandes' is a critique of the rigid societal structures that dictate the lives of these women, leaving little room for individuality or change. The song's repetitive structure and somber tone underscore the monotony and inevitability of their existence, making it a powerful commentary on the impact of tradition and conformity on personal freedom and happiness.