Reasons for being a French Major

 Admittedly, I was a French major because I entered The University with a good deal of credit from my AP tests, but I took the opportunity to learn more about 20th century French music.

I really liked Jacques Brel (and Scott Walker), and today I listened to Au Suivant, a song about being in the army. I guess that would’ve been in the late 1950s or so… and so in “French Indochina?” (If such a place really ever existed.). Anyway, I like Jacques Brel because his music sounds very grandiose and theatrical.

I forget why I brought him up, specifically, but it had a substantial effect on me. Basically, “au suivant” is French for “next” and refers to him going to the barber or a prostitute while in the army. From the latter, he wanted her to be sweet, but that wasn’t what the army was paying for that day.

And so I found this to be a relatable theme in music:  the artist wanted something sweet and instead got something tawdry.

Anyway, today is my 21st post, and I remember learning “A Clockwork Orange” (speaking of tawdry) was only 20 chapters but was supposed to be 21(?) — or maybe the book was 21 but the FILM only covered 20(?) — because in Chapter 21, Young Alex is reformed (not pictured in the movie). I remember hearing this affected me as a youngun, and as I saw my posts increment, I had hoped to say something profound by now so I could also end at 21.

Also, I once heard or read that A Clockwork Orange was funded by British Intelligence. Which is on one-hand a slick gig. On the other hand, that may explain why there are fewer chapters than intended. Bureaucracy!

And it may not even be true.

And so we go back to Jacques Brel cuz we at least have photos of him. He’s just a guy trying to live his life—and put it to music! Quand On Est Un Spy.


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