57 Famous French Songs
Contents
12. “Quelqu’un M’a Dit” by Carla Bruni
Song Year: 2002
The song was part of Carla Bruni’s first album. The narrator is heartbroken and wondering why the other person no longer loves them. The singer desires that whoever hears the song will still love her since someone assured her they would, but she cannot recall who.
13. “Elle A Les Yeux Revolver” by Marc Lavoine
Song Year: 1985
Debuting at number four on the French Singles Chart, the song remains one of Lovaine’s best releases. The lyrics are heartfelt, as the protagonist describes his love for a lady who has stolen his heart with her beautiful eyes. The song speaks of surrendering to love, embracing the feelings, and treasuring every moment spent together.
14. “Paroles Paroles” by Alain Delon and Dalida
Song Year: 1973
The song portrays a dialogue where a man is showering a woman with endless praises, but she dismisses them as meaningless. The woman has had enough of her lover’s lies. However, despite knowing that her man’s words are untrue, he still manages to win her. She concludes that he remains her dream guy despite everything and would create him if he didn’t exist.
15. “Flou” by Angèle
Song Year: 2018
‘Flou’ is a deeply reflective song that takes the audience back to the beginning of her music career. She recalls being anxious as her fame spread over Belgium and France. The song expresses how the newfound popularity was clouding her public and private lives, leading to confusion.
She acknowledges the career’s many benefits but says she found it difficult to rise to prominence as somebody who regularly battles anxiety.
16. “Je Te Promets” by Johnny Hallyday
Song Year: 1987
The song is about a man who's promising his lover that he will remain loyal, even when times are tough. The man is ready to give his lover the world and do everything he can to ensure she’s happy. Its sentimental lyrics and powerful vocals have made it a timeless favorite.
The song has become one of Hallyday’s standards for live performances and continues to be a favorite among French people.
17. “Foule Sentimentale” by Alain Souchon
Song Year: 1993
The song’s protagonist attacks the pointlessness of modern life, where individuals have “a lot of things” but no clear goal. He asserts that people spend their lives worrying about meaningless material goods. He says that we are a “sentimental crowd” who have aspirations that go beyond material acquisition. He concludes that adopting a more idealistic outlook in life would be better.
18. “Joe Le Taxi” by Vanessa Paradis
Song Year: 1987
The song is about a cab driver in Paris who is familiar with the city, including its many streets, alleys, and bridges. The track references Latin culture, such as mambo and rum.
It became an instant hit, debuting at number one in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK and number two on the French Singles Chart. The video features Vanessa driving a yellow taxi in the streets of Paris.
19. “Elle Me Dit” by Mika
Song Year: 2011
The song’s lyrics detail the horrible things a mother will say to her son when directing them on what to be and what not to be. The protagonist’s mother is trying to encourage him to make better decisions. She pushes him to compose an upbeat song, succeed in business and avoid his father’s footsteps. She warns him to heed her advice because she won’t be around forever.
20. “Femme Libérée” by Cookie Dingler
Song Year: 1984
The song was Cookie Dingler’s breakthrough and, notably, their only success. The song is typical of those of its era that made fun of the dominant cultural themes. The track’s lyrics depict “liberated women” as more vulnerable, and irrespective of how much effort they put in, they’ll always remain pitiful. It’s a mockery of women’s quest for power and independence.
21. “J’t’emmène Au Vent” by Louise Attaque
Song Year: 1997
The upbeat and energetic song tells the story of a young man who wants to take his partner away from their dull lives and show her the world. The lyrics encourage one to embrace life and find happiness no matter what’s happening around them. The band combines traditional folk and contemporary rock sounds in the song.
22. “Je T’aime Moi Non Plus” by Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg
Song Year: 1969
Despite getting bans in the United States and the Vatican because of its apparent sexual content, the track became the first non-English song to debut at number one in the UK.
Whereas it seems to be a celebration of sexual freedom and physical sex, Gainsbourg did describe it as pure. It remains one of the most famous French songs whose erotic lyrics will never go out of style.
