La mauvaise réputation (1952)

Georges Brassens

Bad Reputation

In my corner of the nation
I have a bad reputation
Whether I speak or I shut up
They treat me like a you-know-what.
Yet I do no damage to anyone
Following the road of the simpleton.But good folks don’t appreciate
Someone whose path may deviate
No good folks don’t appreciate
Someone whose path may deviate
Everyone likes to curse at me…
Except the mutes, obviously.The morning of Independence Day
My cozy bed is where I lay
The music of the marching bands
Doesn’t impress me worth a damn.
Yet I mean no one any harm at all
When I shut my ears to the bugle call.

But good folks don’t appreciate
Someone whose path may deviate
No good folks don’t appreciate
Someone whose path may deviate.
They point the finger right at me…
Except of course, the amputees

When I cross a thief on the run
Chased by angry Farmer John
I stick my foot out as they pass
And Farmer John lands on his ass.
Yet it’s not my wish to cause any grief
By championing the cause of the petty thief.

But good folks don’t appreciate
Someone whose path may deviate
No good folks don’t appreciate
Someone whose path may deviate.
The mob will chase me with their flames…
Except of course for all the lameNo need to be Jeremy
To see where my story leads
If they find a suitable rope
They will slip it around my throat.
Yet I do no damage to beast or man
When I shun the paths to the Vatican.But good folks don’t appreciate
Someone whose path may deviate
No good folks don’t appreciate
Someone whose path may deviate.
The world will watch my hanging day…
Except the blind, or so they say

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j1jumnQeSw