French Song:  aux Armes Et Caetera

This song is Serge Gainsbourg’s take on the French National Anthem. The title is taken from the first line of the chorus in the national anthem ‘aux armes citoyens’ but instead Gainsbourg uses ‘aux armes et caetera’. This song was particularly controversial at the time it was released. Performed by the Wailers, Bob Marley’s regular accompaniment band, this is a reggae take on the French national anthem. Gainsbourg is rumoured to have performed this song in front of an audience of soldiers, two of which got so angry that they rushed to the stage with the intention of stopping him from performing this song. After Gainsbourg’s explanation of the meaning and thought behind this song, the soldiers and Gainsbourg ended up singing it all together.

 

Listen to the song HERE:

 

 

Here are the lyrics:

Allons enfant de la patrie
Le jour de gloire est arrivé
Contre nous de la tyrannie
L’étendard sanglant est levé

Aux armes et caetera

Entendez-vous dans les campagnes
Mugir ces féroces soldats
Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras
Egorger nos fils nos compagnes

Aux armes et caetera

Amour sacré de la patrie
Conduis soutiens nos bras vengeurs
Liberté liberté chérie
Combats avec tes défenseurs

Aux armes et caetera

Nous entrerons dans la carrière
Quand nos aînés n’y seront plus
Nous y trouverons leur poussière
Et la trace de leurs vertus

Aux armes et caetera