If I Ever Forget
A Formidable French Ear-Dragon
Si Jamais J’oublie (If I Ever Forget) displays the essential characteristics of a first-class language-learning ear-dragon. First, the tune sets toes a’ tappin’, thereby helping the lyrics take up permanent residence in human memories. Second, Si Jamais J’oublie has attracted a number of different artists, thereby allowing listeners to engage the sme set of lyrics in several slightly different ways. Third, the song invites singers sing it clearly, pronouncing each and every one of its well-chosen words in an accurate, accessible way.
If you like your music from places like Nashville and Austin, I recommend starting your engagement with Si Jamais J’oublie with the cover performed by Guylaine Tanguay, the reigning reine of la musique Country Quebecois. If, however, you prefer a more urban interpretation, you will want to begin your journey in the company of Zaz, the jazzy chanteuse who, in 2015, took the song on its maiden voyage.
This done, it will be time to read through the lyrics, looking up any word that is new to you and attempting to make sense of the song as a whole. (You can usually find the lyrics to a popular French tune by combining, in the search engine of your choice, the name of the song and the word paroles.)
Once you have a good sense of the meaning of the lyrics of Si Jamais J’oublie, you can cast a wider net over the artists who perform it. (If you are looking for a straightforwardly optimistic interpretation of the song, you will like the version recorded by Cloe Stafler. If, however, you find yourself in the market for an antidote for an overdose of the power of positive thinking, check out the recording made by Ycare.
For Further Reading
