“Yes, life is beautiful”: thank you, Mr. Jean Ferrat

Mr. Jean Ferrat’s real name is Jean Tenenbaum. For those of you who may not know him, he is one of the greatest French songwriters, poets, musician-composers and singer-performers of all times. Bambi is devoting a second post to honour his memory because she is fond of his talent.

Mr. Ferrat was born on December 26, 1930 (in the region of Hauts-de-Seine). He took his last breath on March 13, 2010 (in Ardèche). His personal/familial story is moving. Indeed, when he was eleven years old, his (Jewish) dad was deported by the Nazis to Auschwitz where he died. If Mr. Jean Ferrat survived, it is because he was hidden by good men (https://shorturl.at/qfzFu). Thanks to them for their humanity in the darkest of times. They allowed us to enjoy his musical legacy.

One of Ferrat’s songs , which Bambi loves is entitled “C’est beau la vie [“Life is Beautiful“]. Another one she also appreciates is called “Aimer à perdre la raison” [“To love to The Point of Losing Our Mind“].

Between the love of life and love, we are well served with Mr. Ferrat’s repertoire of songs. Bravo for his poetic and simple yet deep lyrics. His beautiful voice and music transcend death. In addition to entertaining us, the essence of his musical legacy gives us hope for brighter days despite tragedies (just like his own story). May love, humanity, and the power of life triumph over the forces of obscurantism, hate, and evil in our world.