In French we call these "chansons à texte" or lyrics songs , where lyrics prime over melody , the music coming only to support and emphasize the words .

This is pure poetry. I highly recommend you read the lyrics. This is so beautiful. Jacques is probably the most famous Belgian singer. I’m from Belgium so I know most of his music. I would recommend “Amsterdam” , “ le plat pays” , “ chanson des vieux amants.

S'il faut une écoute en français, c'est celle là. Merci aussi de remette dans le contexte.... Le meilleur francophone ❣️ J'adore, encore. Merci la Belgique

Jaques Brel is an absolute legend, I highly recommend "Amsterdam" especially with subtitles :)

What is important to know is when Jacques Brel went to try his luck in Paris he absolutely did not want to become a singer but only a lyricist who writes texts to be sung by others! He was quickly advised to sing them himself because none was able to transmit the complexity and the emotion of his texts. Brel was above all a poet and it is possible that someone will never again know how to have so much deep intensity to express words of the soul ...

Do not leave me We have to forget Everything can be forgotten That escapes already Forgetting the time Of the misunderstandings And the lost time Namely how to Forget those hours Which killed sometimes through why's The heart of happiness Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me I, I'll offer you Pearls of rain That came from countries where rain never falls I would dig the earth Until after my death To cover your body with gold and light I'll make a domain Where love will be king Where love will be law Where you will be queen Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me I'll make up for you insane words That you'll understand I'll talk to you about those lovers there Who have seen twice their hearts flare up I will tell you The story of that king Dead for not having been able to meet you Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me We have often seen the fire spurting out again from the ancient volcano That we thought too old There are, apparently Some scorched fields Yielding more wheat Than a better April And when evening comes For the sky to blaze The black and the red aren't they wedding? Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me I'll no longer cry I'll no longer speak I'll hide there Looking at you dance and smile And listening to you sing and then laugh Let me become The shadow of your shadow The shadow of your hand The shadow of your dog But Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me Do not leave me

My friend chose this for her husband's funeral. Such a powerful song for the day.

As a French speaker, I know the weight of each word…this man was a bastion of French music. Poetry is music and music is poetry. Words…words…words…

After having spent quite a lot of hours watching english speaking people reacting to songs, reading english comments about english songs lyrics, reading articles written english ranking the "most beautiful songs" containing only english songs, I kind of get tired of people not realizing the number of magnificient songs written in other languages. I'm French, so of course I know about the absolute enormous number of songs sung in French that are absolulety beautiful. But I know it's the same case in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, etc. Speaking for my language, it's a special language, it's a poetic language, it's a powerful and old language. We have songs from Brel, Cabrel, Barabara, Piaf, Aznavour, Ferret, Balavoine, etc that would make any normally constituted person weep. I just adore seeing an english speaking person, even if they don't speak nor even understand the language, react to beautiful songs in another language. If you feel something, despite not understanding anything, that's the true power of music.

I can't imagine listening to this without understanding the lyrics. They are incredible.

I remember as a student driving to my university course, hearing on the radio his latest song from his last album (coming back from retirement after several years), did not know at the time it was his last record before his death and he knew it. The pure joy and emotion I felt listening to him... I am so sad people don’t know him, like people that don't know poetry, good wine, love, or the simple evening breeze or the colours of the clouds before sundown in autumn.

Man, just read the translated lyrics, it's even more heartbreaking, pure poetry. Another Brel song I love is "La Valse à mille temps". It's a completely different genre, and he sings it with an amazing sense of rythm. You should definitely check it out.

Jacques Brel was also an wonderful actor (he did memorable movies), that's why he's so good when singing on stage, he is purely acting what the song is about. I absolutely recommend to watch him singing "Ces gens-la", it soóooo moving...

I am 66 and have loved this song well over 50 years. Sinatra, Streisand, Simone, and of course, Brel! You have selected the Holy Grail of songs.

As Elke Nopens said earlier, as belgian native, I'm, in a weird way, so proud of Jacques Brel. One of the few who literally lives their music. "Amsterdam" on stage is an obvious next step in Brel's world. Peace !

I have to say, I am totally in awe of you 'getting' Brel. My wife and me got his vinyl boxset instead of an engagement ring. And we got it.

I´m an old guy and this style of French singing was big when I was in my late teens & early 20´s in England. There are many other French singers that had not only beautiful songs to work with but like Brel, an almost innate talent to entertain and draw you in to the story as if in an intimate conversation with a friend. To see them live was something you never forget. This song in English is known as If You Go Away. Try this one written by Brel kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mbmFoMSH0dKnZYE.html.... so beautiful.

If is the first song you've heard from Brel, this is only the tip of the iceberg. If you want to see what his voice can do, listen to "Mathilde", "La chanson des vieux amants" and "Ces gens là". I promise they'll blow your mind, especially "Ces gens là"

Brel's lyrics are incredibly good. He makes real poetry with simple, everyday words and sentence structures. Sometimes just by associating words that don't usually go together. In Amsterdam, he mentions a "rancid" accordion and you immediately understand not only what kind of sound he means, but also the sort of place it is played in.

Jacque Brel himself said it wasn't "a song about love but about cowardry : the story of a jerk and a looser." I think it just mean the song is not really about love but about affective dependance and fear of lonelyness.

When you grow up with its songs you keep this melancholy in your heart for ever…

Jacques Brel is an absolute legend, and we are so proud of him in Belgium. Please listen to ‘Amsterdam’, ‘le plat pays’, ‘Bruxelles’… also try Edith Piaf (Milord, la vie en rose…)

This is a pre recorded "video clip", showing only half of his talent. Check out his live performances they are simply phenomenal. Merci Jacques!

This is THE most beautiful love song in the history of music!!

Thank you for introducing me to this singer/song. Made my day!

Hi. Your reaction to this song even though you don't speak French says it all about its human power. I'm French and this song is one of those that has an intimate connection with everyone who listens to it. No matter you understand the lyrics or not. Tears come to my eyes anytime I hear it and It always will. This song defines love and pain in the simplest possible way. Quote "let me become the shadow of your shadow, the shadow of your hand, the shadow of your dog". no more comments needed.....

Qualité de l'expressivité par l'artiste et qualité de la perception par l'écoutant mêlées. Un pur régal, émouvant jusqu'aux larmes.

My favorite of Jacques Brel : "Ces gens-là". Its an amazing song and interpretation

This singer is the greatest (for french speaking persons) : his songs are pure poetry, and interpretation is absolutely stunning. For more emotions I recommend listening to (and reading lyrics) "la quête" (Don Quichotte's quest ) !!!

Hi guys ! Here are translated lyrics, for those who can't speak french ; Don’t leave me We must forget All can be forgotten That has already passed away Forget the time Of misunderstandings And the time lost Trying to know “how” Forget those hours That sometimes kill With slaps of “why” The heart of happiness Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me I will give to you Pearls made of rain From countries Where it never rains I will work the land All my life and beyond To cover your body With gold and with light I will make a land Where love will be king Where love will be law Where you will be queen Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me I will invent, for you Fanciful words That you’ll understand I will tell you About those lovers Who have twice seen Their hearts set ablaze I will tell you The story of the king Who died of not having Ever met you Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me We’ve often seen Fire flowing again From an ancient volcano Considered too old It’s said that there are Fire-scorched lands That yield more wheat Than the best April And when evening comes With a burning sky The red and the black- Are they not joined together? Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me I won’t cry anymore I won’t talk anymore I will hide over there To watch you Dance and smile And to hear you Sing and then laugh Let me become The shadow of your shadow The shadow of your hand The shadow of your dog Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me Don’t leave me

Damn man, Brel, what a beautiful suprise I get for typing 'music reaction'; You're an honorary Belgian now!

jaq brel is one fine interpretator. he tells stories like nobody does.

There are storytellers, the Iconic Jacques Brel is one of the best storysinger. I saw that even if you don’t understand the words you fell what it mean and the greatness of the music.

I'am 60, I know this song since I was teenager. J Brel it's a part of my life near from my heart, whatever life bring the better and worse. Like when I was 15, I'm still crying when I ear this song. Is it stupid, no? Jacque Brel wrote poems, I'm just know today.

c'est une légende en Belgique, nous avons beaucoup d'artistes excellents en Belgique et ils ne sont pas Français, c'est très important pour nous, je suis Espagnole né en Belgique!! "respect" gracias amigo

Pure poetry, felling heart - in American singing we don’t have the culture, the history and the emotion that other cultures have they thousands years of history and culture to create their art

un très Grand ! il a bercé toute mon adolescence et je suis toujours fan. qui a goûté et étudié ses textes ce n'est que de l'excellence et pure poésie! merci grand Jacques !

Yes Brel is a pure legend

this song, as well as 'Avec le temps', by Leo Ferré, has the ability to melt my heart

Thx …. I have a lot of trouble listening to J. Brel... my mother listened to these records on Sunday mornings... my father was often absent. today they are gone.... I still have Brel.. thank you. Merci de France à toutes et a tous

Nina Simone does a beautiful version of this, my favorite of his is his song Orly

I got to say... an American willingly listening to Brel is kinda blowing my mind. Good for you, man - Abbé's a legit legend. But hey - if you wanna hear Brel *essentially rapping...* _Vesoul._ I love that song. Some people will definitely disagree with that take, but yeah - he's rapping on this! Sing-songing maybe, but still rapping! 😁

This is a legendary song among french speakers and many other cultures. A timeless song. To be fair, in modern music i really liked Stromae which is also from Belgium. I'm sure Jacques Brel is a huge reference for him.

Beautiful song, I had goosebumps while hearing it even after hearing it already many times before... Man, you are a smart reax channel... Subscribed! 😍✌🏾

At a time when Jacques Brel was supposed to take over the cardboard factory his father had developped near Bruxelles from a very modest business created by the grand-father, he married Micheline (Brel always called her ''Miche''). This was kind of a business arrangement between two families of the Bruxelles bourgeoisie, but there is no reason to think Miche and Jacques were not in love in some way (after all, they had two daughters : Isabelle, for whom Brel wrote later ''Quand Isabelle dort'' / ''When Isabelle is asleep'', and France. For some reasons, France was far more closer to her father than her sister, and she is still, nowadays, taking care of her father's legacy). But one day, Jacques, left Bruxelles to go to Paris (and he left by the same way the road his father had fixed for him. But Jacques had different dreams, and after two years in the family business, had decided cardboard business was the most boring thing on the planet). Is it necessary to point out his father, since this day, was not really ready to send Jacques any kind of check to make it through the month in Paris ? But he took care of his daughter-in-law and his two grand-daughters, still living in Bruxelles, ensuring they did not missed anything. And Miche, even she perfectly knew Jacques had some affairs in Paris, stayed till her last breath totally supportive, caring and thoughtfull to her husband. In fact, during several years, Jacques Brel had all the difficulties you can possibly imagine, trying to make his way in show business, with almost no money in his pocket to pay a rent or to buy some appropriate food. He sometimes slept in the street, singing in two or three different ''cabarets'' the same evening, often only being paid with the reliefs of the customers meals... This lack of proper feeding hygiene led to some dental issues he had to cope with all the rest of his life, and explains, even if some dental surgeons made all they could to correct the problem later, his denture looking a bit unusual. During this hard time, he met a young actress and singer who was also trying to make her name, Suzanne Gabriello. And what was due to be finally occured : they felt in love. During two or three years, they lived together, from a seedy hotel to another, desperately fighting to make their way. But one day, Suzanne came to the point she had to decide she couldn't stand this kind of life anymore. And she left... Not for another man (even she was very close to another guy also trying to make his name on the cabarets stages, Guy Bedos, who later became one most (or ''the'' ?) prominent comedian and movie actor in France. But this was not a very serious affair. As we say in French, they just tried to ''se tenir chaud'', Suzanne, desperate after leaving Jacques Brel, and Guy Bedos, who was just repatriate with his family from Algeria which was gaining its independance, and was quite lost in Paris where he had nothing to relate with the land of his youth). She left Brel because she was just exhausted. And Jacques Brel wrote ''Ne me quitte pas''... Ironically enough, after all these years almost nobody paid attention to him, the song was quite a smash and a immediate succes. With the sudden interest spotted on him because of this song, the public discovered the other Brel's works and, very soon, he became one of the main artists in his field. With all the financiary capacity of buying an appartment of his own, and lead a quite comfortable life. But Suzanne never came back. She was, in a way, a female version of Jacques, with very strong moral rules. She wouldn't have endure to hear the lightest whisper saying she came back for the money Jacques had from now on. It took years and years to both of them to tell about the genesis of ''Ne me quitte pas''. Both had then different lives (Suzanne had her own carrier, not a very famous one, but still a carrier, between theatrical or movies appearences and singing shows, and each very time, she sang one or two ones from Jacques, making it quite surprising since her field was rather funny ones, she went through two marriages and divorces, Jacques was in a stable relation with Maddly Bamy, who would be the one by his side till the very last moment, Miche was still in Bruxelles with the two girls, ready to help whenever asked for... Meanwhile, ''Ne me quitte pas'' had became an absolute standard in French (may I say the words of the english version ''If you go away'' are far enough behind the original french lines ?). When all this story went public, years and years after, Suzanne Gabriello had these words: ''Liz Taylor has her diamonds and jewels, good for her, but I have the most extraordinary song ever written. I feel dramatically more fortunate than her...'' An once more, take a look on kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pK9lpqh0vMqUpQ.html

J B is a GEANT intellectual who happens to be a singer and singing his philosophy about life ...ONE OF ITS KIND

Wow!!! thanks a ton, it's a treat to watch you discover with bliss this masterpiece, one of the world wilde greatest songs ever. Your comment is so heartfelt, pertinent and touching that I could listen to you for hours. There are two huge English covers, my fav is Dusty Springfield's rendition, followed by Scott Walker' one. Great Nina Simone did insane French live renditions.

So much to say about Jacques Brel, the singer, the actor and I do believe the thinker. You ve to watch some interviews. I don t know a lot of Singer in the top of his career who decide to quit stage live. Reason why: he gave everything to his audience and cannot do better without cheating. He never came back since only record studio album. For me the most touching album is the last one 'Les Marquises" (with a Iconic cover)and most particularly the song inside call "Orly". He actually recorded this album in one shot with one lung! Indeed he was smoking a lot. But if you like him take time to discover more about the man.For sure one of the most talentous Artist of his time.

Love that you chose this song and particularly this version of it. Thank you! Jacques Brel was a master at telling a story through song.

The MOST RIPPING “LOVE SONG” EVER WRITTEN! If one ever needs a reason to learn French, understanding and fully appreciating Jaques Brel is an excellent one. “Let me become the shadow of your shadow, the shadow of your hand, the shadow of your dog…but don’t leave me…”. * If it doesn’t hit you in the guts, check your pulse and seek medical help.

Jacques Brel. An icon of Francophony. A master not only with his music or his words but how he delivered them, in a poetic and performing way that conveyed in themselves the emotions of his songs. A genius in his time. *** Jacques Brel le génie de son temps. Ses paroles, ses musiques mais surtout son air poétique et théâtrale de délivrer ses chansons. Un maître. ***

I'm French, I knew Jacques Brel since childhood but your comment opened my eyes on new things that made me go back to listen.

Un grand parmi les grands !!! Jacques Brel for ever!

Beautifuuuuuuulll !!My Dad loved his song...

It makes me teary eyed myself!

I would recommend reacting to Scott Walker at some point. He did English versions of many Brel songs, including this one under the title “If You Go Away” which is fantastic. For his own songs, I’d recommend starting with “The Old Man is Back Again.” His voice and bass playing is extraordinary.

Merci infiniment d'avoir choisi cette merveilleuse chanson. Puisque l'Amour avec ses joies et ses tourments est universel, nous devrions retrouver le chemin de la Paix...

As a French person, I would recommend you listen to Barbara, especially "quand reviendras tu", if you want to feel more or french music from the 60s, also "je suis malade" by Serge Lama and "avec les temps" by Léo Ferré. Hopefully you will get to read this 👍

I learned he was a really shy man, didn't want to be in the spotlights

incredible feeling of L. boyd, a beautiful analysis,, best regards from France & Canada !

Every time I hear this song it's hard to hold back those tears

Thank you for playing marvellous Jacques Brel

I'm from Brussels, we still miss him every day

Magnifique, un chanteur comme on n’en voit plus aujourd’hui 🌈

Merci 🙏 Jacques Brel est un grand poète francophone très inspirant… Il décrit des fresques sociales…avec des mots simples et des arrangements musicaux… Je ne m’en lasse jamais…

AS french and big fan of Jacques Brel, i appreciate very much this very GOOD analysis! You are very It is very moving to see what this song causes in the people who listen to it. nina Simone also loved this song and sing it several times.Let me listen my history when i became JAcques BREL's fan (and excuse my poor english). In in 1978 i was in hollyday with my parent, i did no knew him because my parents did only listen the "hit parade". I saw a picture of a man with a small beard pepper and salt and a cane. I was immediatly and i don' t knwo why interested by this personality. He was in the first page because i was vey sic - he had a cancer-When we was back at home i did see that we had the last album in blue with cloud and i immediatly listen it and discover album after album. I saw that each of his songs was treasures of poetry and emotions. THose who wants i can recommand some songs of him. Again very good analysis

Brel un des plus marquants de la chanson française et francophone.. Il nous manque 😭😭😭😭

But you have this incredible way of feeling music...I feel I don't want to leave him..here the lyrics translated for you and us;I can speak 4 languages fluently..the song is from 1959, I wasn't born yet..but edith piaf and mireille mathieu have also interpreted it supper...when I see your face I can read you like a book...even if you don't understand it..I say>...you say so much only with your eyes and your mimic..without speaking or understanding the french heavy language..

Same passion in all his songs. ❤

Hey! In France, we also had Serge Reggiani (Ma Liberté) or Serge Lama (Les Ballons Rouges). There is also Jean Gabin, an old French actor who sang "Maintenant je sais" and "Quand on se promène au bord de l'eau "and Michel Legrand with" Les Moulins de mon cœur "which was also taken over by Alain Delon (a magnificent version)

Cet animateur est incroyable...pas sectaire et tellement ouvert d'esprit et aussi sensible...je l'adore

Definitely should follow along with the lyrics. Beautiful song

I had the same feeling about this song as most people, i.e a beautiful love song from a desperate, loving man until I played it to my students (18 to 21 years old). Their reaction was "it's creepy ", "he's a stalker ", I would not want him back ". How different our understanding can be with the passage of time and the change of attitude towards relationships and man and woman interactions.

By the way it was covered by Nina Simons when she was in France after that the people start to listen to the unique , incredible poet Jacque Brel .. 🙏🕊🇫🇷

Sting, Nina Simon, Iggy Pop, etc..this wonderful song has been performed by the greatest artists.

But more seriously it's a rare song that transcends language, the emotion seems to touch everyone !

Back in the day he and some other european singers were called "Poet singers" and if you check out the lyrics to this song you will see why. Also check out Gilbert Becaud singing "Natalie".

Jacques Brel : Amsterdam / Les Vieux Edith Piaf : L'hymne à l'amour / Non, je ne regrette rien Lara Fabian : Je suis malade Claude François : Comme d'habitude (original version of "My Way") Michel Berger or France Gall or Johnny Hallyday (less soft version) : Diego, libre dans sa tête Françoise Hardy : Message personnel I could name others but those are , according to my personal taste, the best ones

Tous simplement unique 🙏🇧🇪merci

An extraordinary artist.

Love this song Chega de saudade is another one !

As a black man have you heard of Nina Simone? Listen to her version. Also watch the video of Jacques Brel singing Amsterdam at the Olympia. It will leave you absolutely speechless.

Mr Brel 👍💪 un pillier de la chanson française 🙏

Belgian of origin Jacques Brel is one of the greatest of the French song. This song has already been translated into English '' If You Go Away '' (Ne Me Quitte Pas), by Barbra Streisand, Shirley Bassey or Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone to David Bowie. In England by Dusty Springfield or Scott Walker, Alex Harvey, later Marc Almond, Momus or Neil Hannon. From his first solo album in 1967, Scott Walker tackled Brel's repertoire, passionately discovered the year before. It will cover nine tracks in all (in the adaptations of Mort Shuman), from the trumpet Mathilde to the creaking Funeral Tango, later grouped together on a separate record. The ethereal lyricism of the Walker Brothers hits gives way to the more feverish breath inspired by the Belgian singer, and which will rub off on his own songs.

The song "mon enfance" is absolutely perfect. Discribing a young man coming to adolecence

Jacques Brel, absolute star. Try his 'Amsterdam', 'Jef' or the more upbeat 'La Valse a mille temps' (The thousand beat waltz).

A great classic of Belgian and French song, thank you for sharing it.

Une belle émotion dans le regard ça ne trompe pas...,!!!

i cry everyrime i hear this tune

I listened to the musical review cassette, in English, Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. A whole troupe tearing these songs up!

It's really adorable the way you react without understanding the lyrics (I hope your read them since). And, well, you got them, man. If you want other strong and emotional songs in French, I can suggest you Maurane in "le prélude de Bach" or in "trop forte" as well as Lara Fabian in "je suis malade".

Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris - great album

The most beautiful love song of all time.

Oh yes - Jacque Brel is a legend

Frank Sinatra & David Bowie are just a couple of the artists who covered Brel in English.

You can find a version with the translated subtitles. It'll make the song twice as beautiful!

Jacques Brel is the best songwriter of all french language songs history. And He always sung with its soul and heart. That's why any french language people having culture baics reconize him as the best of all.

There is an interview of Jacques Brel wich he said than "Ne me quitte pas" is more about the man cowardly than the sadness of a relationship break. And i found this beautifull.

Vesoul is an amazing Brel song... highly recommend.

Thx guy to promote French culture as you do. As a real froggy, I appreciate.