Mon Père Etait Tellement De Gauche

Les Fatals Picards' song "Mon Père Etait Tellement De Gauche" is a humorous and satirical reflection on growing up with a father who is extremely left-wing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a childhood steeped in socialist ideology, where the protagonist's father is so committed to his political beliefs that they permeate every aspect of their lives. From living on streets named after socialist figures to attending committee meetings instead of playing in the park, the father's dedication to leftist ideals is both exaggerated and endearing.

The song uses a series of hyperbolic anecdotes to illustrate the father's extreme leftism. For instance, the family vacations in the USSR during winter to better appreciate the architecture, and they consume "Lenin's burgers" and "coca Kolkose," which are humorously described as barely edible. The father's reaction to the fall of the Berlin Wall—buying cinder blocks to rebuild it—further underscores his unwavering commitment to socialism. These exaggerated scenarios serve to both mock and celebrate the father's ideological fervor.

Cultural references abound in the song, from mentions of Jean Jaurès and Maurice Thorez to the singing of "The Internationale" at a wedding. These references ground the song in a specific historical and political context, making it a rich tapestry of leftist culture. The song also touches on the disillusionment that often accompanies political idealism, as seen in the father's hope for change in 1981 and 2002, only to be let down. Ultimately, the song is a loving, if irreverent, tribute to a father whose life was defined by his political beliefs, capturing both the humor and the pathos of such a life.