Ne Me Quitte Pas

Thanks Venus in Mohair - I agree with you. So, as another American who speaks 6 languages, I would like to say that the above translations - more or less literal - fail to capture the passion that is expressed in the French original, which is why I would translate it (albeit more liberally), as follows: Do not leave me. One must forget that which is bygone. Everything can be forgotten - Forget the instances of misunderstandings and of the moments lost. Knowing how to forget the hours that sometimes killed the very heart of happiness - with all their Why's. Do not leave me. (4x) I will offer you pearls made of raindrops, found in countries where it never rains. I will traverse the Earth, until after I'm gone, only to cover your body with gold and with sunlight. I will establish a kingdom where Love will be king, where Love will rule, and you will be Queen. Do not leave me. (4x) Do not leave me. I will invent for you nonsensical words which only you will understand. I will tell you stories about the lovers whose hearts have been twice ablaze, and of that king who died for not having met you. Do not leave me. One has often seen a fire erupting out an ancient volcano, thought to be extinct. And it seems that a scorched earth could give more wheat than in the best of springs. And when the evening falls do the red and the black not unite in order for sky to be set aflame? Do not leave me. Do not leave me. I will no longer cry. I will no longer talk. I will just hide where I can look at you dance and smile, and listen to you sing and then laugh. Let me become the shadow of your shadow the shadow of your hand the shadow of your dog. Do not leave me. (4x)

Do not leave me. One must forget that which is bygone. Everything can be forgotten - The instances of misunderstandings and all the moments lost. Knowing how to forget the hours that sometimes killed the essence (or the very heart) of happiness - with all the doubts (or why's). Do not leave me... (4x)

it's interesting- brel said this song isn't about heartbreak, exactly. it's about the cowardice of men (wikipedia) in any case this song drips romantic love to a level that i think is almost cheesy. but the lyrics are so poignant and original that the emotion couldnt possibly have been faked. sorry i cant contribute anything to the meaning of the song- anyway i think it's obvious what he's trying to say he repeats it 4 times in the chorus (which is also so effective! i love jacques brel!) to aurore: yes he did sweats a Lot! i noticed that!!! hahaha!

I've grown up to this music and all things "Brel". When interviewed on the subject and hailed for having written one of the greatest love songs of all times, I've always heard that he'd reply that it was not a love song. That it was in fact the opposite of a love song and it was a sort of warning not to allow himself sink that deep, if you will. That being said, we can all relate to the desperation brought on by love starting to slip away. That tipping point in a relationship when you know everything has changed yet aren't ready or willing to let go. And he captures this emotion brilliantly. It is one of the greatest songs ever written. Period.

Jacques Brel performed this song live so beautifully!

So, according to wikipedia :) Brel said in an interview that this song was not about heartbreak but was about the cowardice of men. Wikipedia is not always true but I can easily understand why Brel would say this. Men always cling to women and to love and feelings even when it's over. That's very coward. It means that men don't accept reality and fight lost battles instead of trying to fall in love with another person who would be, at last, the "good one"... So, maybe he is half serious and half ironic. It's a kind of self-derision and mockery of all men who once tried to reconquer a lover who was gone. (damn, I'm in! ;) He talks about "Ne me quitte pas" in a song called "le cheval" where he basically says that he regretted to have written it.

NO comments ?! Ok, I understand, this is an American site and most of the members are American as well probably, so they don't know the song.. (and even if you Americans would recognize the song: you guys wouldn't understand a word ! We all know that Americans only speak 1 language, their English) I come from Belgium, and so is the singer, Jacques Brel. In Belgium they speak Dutch and French. Brel was a french speaker, I am a Dutch speaker, but I understand and speak French véry well. In Belgium, this song is chosen to be the best song made by a Belgian, even better than 'Dominique' by the Singing Non (that number was on 1 on your billboards in the sixties, Americans !!) It's a very tragical song, with piano and also a bit violin. 'On a vu souvent Rejaillir le feu De l'ancien volcan Qu'on croyait trop vieux' => these lines are just soo powerful ! Astounding! O yeah; Ne me quitte pas means Don't leave me (alone).

yeah this song is incredible. though i understand just a few lines ;) greetz form germany

I don't speak french but this is the most beautiful song ever. Just thinking about her makes me a little bit misty. I read somewhere that when it was released it was quite the scandal 'cause people weren't used to see a man in such a desperate position. I mean, he literally humiliates himself. The guy sings about being the "shadow of her dog" just to stay near her or something, that's quite low. I wish I could have seen Brel alive (and well and living in Paris. lol). Just for listening to some live recordings his concerts sounded amazing. Like cathartic or something. Didn't he used to cry while singing this song?

I don't know if he used to cry, but he used to SWEAT a lot while singing :) Anyway, I tried to translate it in english (it is not an easy task) : Do not leave me We have to forget Everything is forgettable It is already fading away Forgetting the time Of misunderstandings And the time, lost Trying to know how To forget these hours That killed sometimes With their “why’s” The heart of happiness Do not leave me I will give to you Beads of raindrops Coming from countries Where the rain never comes I will dig the earth Until and after I’m dead To cover your body With gold and light I will create a place Where love will be king Where love will be you Where you will be queen Do not leave me Do not leave me I will invent for you Words with no sense That you’ll understand I will tell you About these lovers Whose heart have burnt twice I’ll tell you The story of this king Dead for not having had The opportunity to meet you Do not leave me It has been reported That often fire returns In former volcanoes (??) That were thought to be too old It is said that somewhere Burnt grounds produce more corn That the best springtime season ever known And when the night comes In order for the sky to blaze Red and Black Marry each other Do not leave me Do not leave me I won’t cry anymore I won’t talk anymore I will hide there Looking at you Dancing and smiling And listening to you Singing, and laughing Let me become The shadow of your shadow The shadow of your hand The shadow of your dog Do not leave me