Monday, October 29, 2012

Georges Brassens



Georges Brassens
singer-songwriter, poet

b. 22 October 1921
d. 29 October 1981


Last November (2011) I walked with Peter (Peter's Paris) along a small alley, 
Impasse Florimont, where Brassens  originally sought to hide 
while on leave from a German labor camp.  
He did not return to the camp and lived here from 1944 to 1966 
with the owners Jeanne and Marcel Planche.


As we approached the door of 9, Impasse Florimont, 
I took a photo of the fading rose and poignant note.  
You see, it was just a few days after the 30th anniversary of Brassen's death.  
It speaks of the sadness of the years since his passing to "a paradise of musicians."

Vous me manquez
I miss you


9, Impasse Florimont
Near Rue des Suisses and Rue d'Alésia
75014, Paris
Métro Plaisance

31 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What a beautiful and moving post for the day, Genie! We never cease to miss those special ones that we have lost! Hope you have a beautiful week ahead, mon ami!

Hugs
Sylvia

French Girl in Seattle said...

A touching tribute; simple but sincere, a bit like Georges Brassens himself. Did you know he originally came from Sete, in Southern France? Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

AJEYA RAO said...

Awesome blog. and i share similar affection towards Paris now that i am learning French. Very nice write up and i love the way the language uses Vous me manquez - You are missed by me!

Palomasea said...

Beautiful and so touching, dear friend.
I thank you so much for stopping by today...I love your kind messages, Genie...
And for me, it is always a bit of a shock to see snow before Halloween...even in MN!! ))
Bises,
- Irina

Siddhartha Joshi said...

Lovely...

Starman said...

We enjoyed Parc Georges Brassens in the 15éme.

Joe said...

There is such heart felt sadness in this post Genie. A wonderful tribute to this sad anniversary.

Paulita said...

To imagine that someone who never knew you could be so touched by your life and leave a note like that 30 years later...

Cezar and Léia said...

A very touching post!
Léia

PeterParis said...

... and I remember another nice walk with you! :-)

biebkriebels said...

What s nice picture of such a touchfull tribute to a great singer. I love the french chansons.

Harriet said...

How delightful to catch up on your photos and comments. Sorry that Lucile and I could not make it for your soiree while in Paris -- we also had very long days of sight-seeing, and at 92 Lucile needed her beauty rest in the evening! Our trip went smoothly, but it is taking me a while to get back into my routine here at home.

I am looking forward to all the photos that you will be sharing from this trip!

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Genie:
What a beautifully poetic post this is, so totally fitting to the subject. How charming that the note and Rose should have been left in remembrance. It is most touching and captured for ever in this most beguiling image.

This past month in Budapest lives lost in the Hungarian revolution of 1956 have been commemorated. As we write, small candles burn and token flowers are left at sites throughout the city which remember this deeply sad event. Your post reflects this poignancy and the importance of remembrance.

Kristie said...

This goes to show we are never truly forgotten. Beautiful tribute, Genie!

Malyss said...

a lot of people miss him in France. I'm one of them.Great picture!

Alexa said...

What a touching memorial, Genie. I have a vivid memory of seeing him perform in the Sixties with another wonderful French singer, Barbara.

Daryl said...
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Daryl said...
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Daryl said...
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Daryl said...

how lovely .... and sad

Daryl said...

how lovely .... and sad

Daryl said...

how lovely .... and sad

Loree said...

I enjoyed the poignant little poem. It seems like I still remember some French after all.

M said...

So very touching! French is such a lovely language!!

Randy said...

Beautiful b&w photo and post.

Jack said...

Without even knowing anything about this man, the note and faded rose stirred sadness in me.

I always enjoy Daryl's comments Daryl's comments Daryl's comments . . .

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Thank you all for your comments and for reflecting the sadness I felt in seeing this. Although the "vous" implied a less than personal relationship, the passion and longing are there. Isabelle told me that "Jojo" is akin to calling someone "buddy" or "pal." Can anyone confirm this or give me another viewpoint?

I almost missed this in that narrow alleyway. A few days later, it might not have even been there. This is one of the reasons I keep returning to Paris (as if I needed one).

For all my friends in the path of Hurricane Sandy, be safe and dry.

Bises,
Genie

Bergson said...

un bel hommage

Anonymous said...

"Jojo" is a pet name for "George" but "vieux jojo" is also an expression to designate, in an affectionate way, someone a bit odd.

I guess both meanings work here. :)

Sketchbook Wandering said...

A wonderful tribute...I love his music but I didn't know the details of his life...thank you, Rita

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

audekapi, that is wonderful! Thank you for the insight on Jojo. Wouldn't you just love to know the story behind the person who wrote that note? Perhaps the stories we imagine are better than the truth.

Bises,
Genie