Overview
The “Fernand” EP, released in 1965, showcases Jacques Brel’s extraordinary range as a songwriter, blending deeply emotional ballads with biting social commentary. Featuring the haunting “Les Désespérés” (“The Desperate Ones”), the comedic “Grand-mère” (“Grandmother”), and the somber, elegiac “Fernand”, the EP presents a rich tapestry of human experience, from despair and disillusionment to the absurdity of bourgeois life.
Musically diverse, the EP ranges from the lush orchestration of “Fernand” to the playful, satirical tones of “Grand-mère”, all underpinned by Brel’s lyricism and François Rauber’s masterful arrangements. Each song offers a distinct yet interconnected reflection on love, loss, and societal hypocrisy, solidifying Brel’s status as one of the great chanson poets of his time.
Analysis
“Fernand” is a poignant explorations of grief, loss, and existential despair. Written with Gérard Jouannest and arranged by François Rauber, the song unfolds like a conversation between Brel, his departed friend Fernand and God. Its stream-of-consciousness style captures the raw emotion of loss, combining moments of surreal imagery with the stark reality of death. Throughout, Brel grapples with the contradictions of mourning, moving from shock and disbelief to a resigned acceptance, culminating in the simple, devastating admission: “And now, I’m going to cry.”
Musically, “Fernand” mirrors the emotional journey with a slow, meditative progression that builds to a powerful orchestral crescendo. The sparse piano and eerie orchestral arrangements reflect Brel’s state of shock, while the dramatic finale expresses the full weight of his grief. Although it didn’t achieve commercial success, “Fernand” remains a significant work in Brel’s discography for its raw depiction of the human experience in the face of death.
“Grand-mère” (“Grandmother”) is one of Brel’s more irreverent songs, offering a satirical take on middle-class values and family dynamics. Released in 1965 alongside the somber “Fernand”, it provides a humorous contrast by poking fun at bourgeois hypocrisy. Brel portrays the titular grandmother as a domineering matriarch, running her family with military precision, while her bumbling husband offers shallow flirtations and contradictory advice. The song’s sharp wit exposes the gap between outward respectability and private scandal, particularly through the comic twist of both grandparents seducing the maid.
Musically, “Grand-mère” is lively and playful, with François Rauber’s arrangement adding to its comedic effect through dynamic tempo shifts that mirror the shifting emotional tones. While its comic elements are lighthearted, the song also critiques societal norms, exploring themes of gender roles, hypocrisy, and moral contradiction. With its satirical edge and unexpected lesbian twist, “Grand-mère” stands as a witty commentary on the absurdities of bourgeois life..
“Les Désespérés” (“The Desperate Ones”) is a haunting song, co-written with Gérard Jouannest and inspired by “Adagio Assai” from Ravel’s Concerto in G. Released in 1965, the song paints a bleak portrait of disillusioned souls who have lost everything, wandering silently toward oblivion. The lyrics describe these “desperate ones” as having burned their wings and lost their roots, their journey marked by a resigned acceptance of life’s failures—especially in love. Brel personalizes the despair, admitting that he too has walked this path, which adds an authenticity to the song’s heavy emotional weight.
Musically, François Rauber’s arrangement mirrors the sorrowful tone, with a delicate, Ravel-inspired piano composition that evokes both beauty and melancholy. The song’s slow, mournful progression complements the existential themes of despair and isolation. In the final verse, Brel condemns those who would judge these broken souls, suggesting that society’s lack of empathy only deepens their suffering. The song’s imagery of these figures dissolving into mist poignantly captures their quiet, forgotten end. “Les Désespérés” is a masterful reflection on the fragility of hope and the inevitability of loss.
Details
Click the links below to view my poetic translations of the songs on this EP.
Side A:
- Fernand
Side B:
- “Grand-mère” (“Grandmother”)
- “Les Désespérés” (“The Desperate Ones”)
Collecting Brel 