Patrick Sébastien: Modern Heir to bawdy French Tradition
PARIS – May 6, 2024 – Patrick Sébastien’s album, “Olé Osé,” positions him as a modern heir to a long line of French entertainers famous for risqué songs, known as “paillardes”. According to musicologist Esther Eloidin,Sébastien connects to a tradition with roots in the Middle Ages,offering social commentary through his work. This tradition reflects a form of outspokenness, mirroring current societal trends; but will his work continue to evolve with the times?
Patrick Sébastien: Heir to a Bawdy French Tradition
Patrick Sébastien’s album, “Olé Osé,” positions him as a modern figure in a long line of French entertainers known for “paillardes” – risqué or bawdy songs.According to Esther eloidin, a musicologist and anthropomusicologist specializing in this area, Sébastien’s work connects him to a tradition stretching back centuries.
A Legacy of “Naughty double-Sensitive Songs”
eloidin traces the roots of this tradition to the Middle ages, describing a folklore rich wiht naughty double-sensitive songs that we did not always understand as you had to be initiated with fairly sought-after texts.
These songs, she explains, served not only as entertainment but also as a form of social commentary and denunciation.
Did you know? The term “paillarde” originally referred to a type of coarse cloth or straw mattress,suggesting something common and unrefined. Over time, it became associated with songs of a similar nature.
Capturing the Zeitgeist
Eloidin emphasizes Sébastien’s skill in reflecting contemporary society through his art. Under the light text, which is not as much as one might think, Patrick Sébastien keeps the technique of oral art, like the storytellers of which he is an heir, with a mastery of the well-prowled story-telling to capture the air of the times,
she notes.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate the nuances of “paillardes,” consider the historical and social context in which they were created. Many songs contain hidden meanings and satirical commentary.
Raw Words and Social Commentary
Sébastien’s lyrics are often direct and unapologetic, claiming the right to humor, freedom, and criticism of the well-righteous who flicked to us.
He also addresses contemporary issues such as transidentity. While some may find his approach shocking, Eloidin argues that it is consistent with the current social climate.
A Reflection of Decadence?
Eloidin suggests that Sébastien’s popularity reflects broader societal trends.
When we look at society today, its evolution, we see a form of decadence. Let it be in the way of expressing themselves from politicians, in the way of dressing in general. What we did not say before, we say it now aloud and all strong. Nothing is hidden, we say everything.Patrick Sébastien is part of it, and many people adhere.
Esther Eloidin,Musicologist and Anthropomusicologist
