Du Jazz Dans Le Ravin Lyrics in English by Serge Gainsbourg

Ravin translates to "ravine" or "gully". It's an evocative word that immediately paints a vivid, somewhat dramatic picture, which is perfect for enticing a learner.

While not extremely rare, it's less common in everyday French song lyrics than words like "amour" or "toujours". In the context of Serge Gainsbourg's "Du jazz dans le ravin", the title itself sets a mysterious and slightly dangerous tone, making "ravin" a key word that captures the song's unique atmosphere and dark humor.

Serge Gainsbourg's "Du Jazz Dans Le Ravin" is a darkly humorous tale of a joyride gone terribly wrong. It starts with a couple in a car, bickering over who's driving. The narrator, clearly in charge, tells his companion to "tais-toi" [shut up] and points out the whisky in the glove compartment and "des Américaines" [American women] she can "taper dedans" [hit on]. He's enjoying his favorite tune on the radio, telling her not to worry, "j'vais pas aller dans les décors" [I'm not going to crash].

But of course, that's exactly what happens! Just before Monte Carlo, the Jaguar swerves and plunges into a ditch. The most chilling part is that as they both lie dying, "La radio, la radio a continué d'y gueuler" [The radio, the radio kept blaring]. The final, blunt lines, "Demain On les ramassera À la petite cuillère" [Tomorrow They'll be scraped up With a teaspoon], really drive home the grim, almost absurd, end to their wild ride. It's a classic Gainsbourg mix of cool detachment and shocking imagery.