Barbara (Monique Serf), la grande dame brune et l'Aigle Noir

"LAigle Noir" is probably the best known song written and performed by this artist. The interpretation of the song has been a key issue in recent years, particularly since the release of her incomplete memoirs written the year she died (1997). The song was recorded originally in 1961 (she became popular in the 60s) but was released again in 1970 in an album by the same name. In this second version, a key verse, which could have contributed to a clearer understanding of the song, was omitted.
Regardless of the meaning behind it, this song shows her at her best. Her music is sublime. It is probably true to say that Barbara is the last major French talent to remain undiscovered outside the French-speaking world

Monique Andrée Serf ,known as Barbara, took her stage name from her Russian grandmother, Varvara Brodsky.
She was deeply scarred by the war and her family's plight. During the German occupation the family took refuge in several localities in France; in 1942 they had to flee from one place after they were denounced as Jews.

Her inner feelings of emptiness experienced at this stage in her life showed in her appearance and in her songs, It is reported by Barbara in her incomplete autobiography that, her father abused her many years starting at age 10. Thus, the war and the family situation contributed to the lyrics found in her songs ("L'Aigle Noir" being one of them) most of which can be considered autobiographical.

Barbara will be remembered for her intensely poetic lyrics, her dramatic on-stage performances and her incredible voice. This intensely private woman whose personal life was enshrouded in mystery right to the end of her life, will always hold a very special place in French music history.


English Lyrics: (Note: translating French lyrics to English can never do justice to the nuances of meaning found in the original text but the translation is provided here simply as a guide to what the singer/songwriter is saying.

THE BLACK EAGLE

One day or maybe one night
Near a lake, I fell asleep
When suddenly, it seemed to pierce the sky
And bolting from the blue appeared a black eagle.

Slowly, spreading its wings
Slowly, I could see it twirling
Near me rustling its wings
As if it fell from the sky it came and settled

Its eyes had the color of ruby
And its wings had the color of the night
And on its sparkling forehead
The crowned bird wore a blue diamond

It touched my cheek with its beak
And it slipped its neck into my hand
And then, I recognized it
Popping up from the past, I remembered

Oh tell me, bird, take me away
Let's go back to our old land
Life before in my childish dreams
To pick up, shivering, some stars, some stars

Like before in my childish dreams
Life before on a white cloud
Like before lighting up the sun
And be a rainmaker and do marvels

The black eagle, rustlings its wings,
Flew off to go back to the sky.

(Four feathers with the color of the night
One teardrop or maybe a ruby
I was cold, there was nothing left of me
The bird left me alone with my sorrow)
(Note: This verse was in the original recording only. The popularized version left it out)

One day or was it one night
Near a lake, I fell asleep
When suddenly, it seemed to pierce the sky
And bolting from the blue appeared a black eagle.

NOTE: UNFORTUNATELY, YOUTUBE DISALLOWED MY TRANSLATIONS OF THE QUOTES IN THE SECOND SECTION (They said it was TOO LONG) Oh well.....c'est la vie!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• French music
• french songs
• french singers
• French chanson
• Barbara
• Monique Serf
• l'aigle noir
• cabaret
• abuse
• musique française
• chansons françaises
• chanteuses française
• the black eagle

[revelrot]

Ouf !!!

-

(je suis sans voix) Merci Eileen !!

[Adamfulgence]

@revelrot Ah oui, je crois que tu l'as aimée......merci comme toujours de ton aide, ton inspiration et ton encouragement.

[b13ne]

Yes, Barbara was not popular outside France, not even in Italy But people who really loved music as art did know at least her name, and her importance!

For myself, I have always loved her 'Mal de vivre' with its impressive lyrics.

L'aigle noir is new to me, but what a wonderful song! How deeply moving, just from the simple melodic line. And that voice, there is a whole life in it, countless feelings and a vibrating sensitive soul.

Thank you Eileen for remembering us, merci merci merci!

[Adamfulgence]

@b13ne Thank you for your comment, Bruno. I, too, love her song "Mal de vivre" - What a gifted songwriter and singer! Always appreciative of you sharing your thoughts.

[mavrothalassa]

Probablement nous sommes retournes a la bonne chancon francaise de jadis.........

Quelle interpretation!!

Merci Christian pour le partage!

Mes voeux et mon bonjour de Grece:)

[Adamfulgence]

@mavrothalassa Un gros merci pour votre commentaire et bien sûr pour Christian qui vous a envoyé la vidéo!

[vijaypush]

Très belle et intelligente vidéo. Gros travail je suppose, mais il vaut la peine.

Très bel hommage à cet immense Artiste

Merci

[Adamfulgence]

@Leilazul So pleased that you liked it, Leila! Indeed, Barbara is relatively unknown and yet, is such a musical prodigy. I wish I could have provided the English for the second part because some of the quotes show this woman's sensitive nature and wisdom. Thanks for your wonderful comments.

[Leilazul]

My dear Eileen, you have made a very professional tribute to this great artist I listen for first time, at first I read the lyrics, and at watching your video, listening her voice with such strengh and deep feeling, I couldn`t avoid tears come out of my eyes.....the second part is maervelous my friend, although I don`t understand french.

Thanks my dear...so many thanks.

[Adamfulgence]

@jasmine7201 Merci beaucoup Jasmine. Ça me plaît de savoir que tu l'as aimée!