10 Beautiful Songs to Learn French at Home

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1. La symphonie des éclairs, by Zaho de Sagazan

Zaho de Sagazan’s “La symphonie des éclairs” celebrates the captivating power of a thunderstorm, emphasizing its allure over clear blue skies. This song provides an excellent opportunity to review weather-related vocabulary, from nuages (clouds) to éclairs (lightning) and orage (storm)

The chorus, “si j’étais un oiseau, j’irais danser sous l’orage” (if I were a bird, I would go dance in the storm), showcases the use of conditional “si” with the conditional present tense, highlighting the song’s linguistic richness.

A beautiful song with a memorable melody that will help you learn French grammar and vocabulary without you even noticing.

2.  Riez, by Stromae

In Stromae’s “Riez,” (Laught) the pursuit of fame and recognition takes center stage. Yet, amidst the glittering allure of these desires, the song’s essence lies in finding contentment in life’s simpler pleasures: love, food, and having a roof over one’s head.

This song serves as a valuable tool for reinforcing essential French vocabulary. From everyday actions like “manger” (to eat) and “dormir” (to sleep) to objects like “un vélo” (a bicycle) and elements like “le soleil” (the sun), “Riez” provides a rich context for expanding your language skills.

Moreover, it introduces the phrase “moi mon rêve, c’est de…” (for me, my dream is to…), inviting each listener to complete this personal aspiration. It encourages introspection and self-expression, making the song not only a great way to learn French at home but also a window into individual dreams and aspirations.

3.  La gadoue, by Jane Birkin

The title of the song, “La gadoue,” translates to “mud” in English. In this charming French song, Jane Birkin takes us on a lyrical journey that reflects on life’s challenges and reminds us that, much like bad weather, most difficulties are temporary. The song’s overarching message is that joy and beauty can often be discovered in the most unexpected places.

As you immerse yourself in the melodic verses, pay close attention to rain-related vocabulary. From “les gouttes d’eau” (water droplets) to “des bottes en caoutchouc” (rubber boots) and “ton imperméable” (your raincoat), the song provides a comprehensive overview of the language related to rainy days.

Also, notice how the phrase “il fait un temps abominable” (the weather is dreadful), a deceptively simple weather-related expression, can used as a metaphor for life’s challenging moments.

4.  Madeleine, by Jacques Brel

Jacques Brel’s hauntingly beautiful “Madeleine” dives into the depths of unrequited love, a theme that resonates universally. This melancholic masterpiece explores the poignant emotions that accompany loving someone who may never reciprocate those feelings.

If you love to learn French through songs, Madeleine is a great choice. As you listen to the lyrics, you will be able to reinforce your understanding of the future tense in French. Phrases like “on prendra” (we will take), “on ira” (we will go), “je lui dirai” (I will tell her), and “j’attendrai” (I will wait) paint a vivid picture of longing and anticipation will teaching you about the formation of the future tense in the French language.

5. Soleil, soleil, by Pomme

In “Soleil, soleil” by Pomme, the theme of missing the sun during the winter months takes center stage. This song beautifully captures the universal sentiment of yearning for the warmth and light of the sun when the cold grip of winter sets in.

As you listen to “Soleil, soleil,” be on the lookout for basic vocabulary that relates to this seasonal shift. Words like “soleil” (sun), “froid” (cold), “hiver” (winter), and phrases like “le soleil qui nous manque” (the sun we miss), and the chorus “oh reviens, soleil, soleil” (oh come back, sun, sun) all weave together to paint a vivid picture of the longing for sunny days. But also, they provide a wonderful opportunity to learn basic vocabulary in French.

If you’re looking for French songs to learn French than even a beginner can benefit from, “Soleil, soleil” is an excellent choice.

6. Roméo kiffe Juliette, by Grand Corps Malade

“Roméo kiffe Juliette” by Grand Corps Malade is a modern-day version of the classic Romeo and Juliet tale, set in the suburbs of Paris in the twenty-first century. The song cleverly weaves together elements of slang with basic phrases and vocabulary, creating a unique linguistic and narrative experience.

Throughout the song, you’ll encounter phrases and expressions like “Roméo habite au rez-de-chaussée” (Roméo lives on the ground floor), “Juliette habite au dernier étage” (Juliette lives on the top floor), and the straightforward statement “ils ont 16 ans” (they are 16 years old).

This song not only provides a fresh take on a timeless story but also offers a fantastic opportunity to learn to form descriptive and narrative sentences in French. Without a doubt, one of the most original and useful songs to learn French in Marie-Thérèse’s Spotify list.

7. Brandt Rhapsodie, by Benjamin Violay et Jeanne Chéral

“Brandt Rhapsodie” by Benjamin Violay et Jeanne Chéral is a unique love story told through a series of messages exchanged between a man and a woman. The song chronicles their journey from the day they meet to the moment they part ways, offering glimpses into their life in between.

While most of the language in the song is straightforward, it beautifully captures the essence of a growing connection. Phrases like “je t’aime” (I love you), “je pense à toi” (I’m thinking of you), “rejoins-moi à l’aéroport” (meet me at the airport) depict the intimacy and simplicity of their exchanges. While they feel deeply personal in the context of the song, they are phrases that any learner will be able to use in their own conversations.

All in all, “Brandt Rhapsodie” is a captivating story that also serves as an excellent tool for those who want to learn French through songs.

8. Poème sur la septième, by Johnny Hallyday

“Poème sur la septième,” performed by Johnny Hallyday, presents a departure from the themes we’ve covered so far. This unique French song delves into the theme of environmental destruction, highlighting vocabulary related to nature, such as “plage” (beach), “sable” (sand), “dune,” “rivière” (river), “fleurs” (flowers), “arbres” (trees), and “oiseaux” (birds).

As you immerse yourself in this lyrical poem, you’ll also encounter verbs in the passé composé (compound past), such as “qui a couru” (who ran), “qui a nagé” (who swam), and “qui a marché” (who walked), as well as verbs in the imperfect tense like “était” (was), “avait” (had), and “jouaient” (played).

As you can see, “Poème sur la septième” offers a unique opportunity to reflect on important issues while learning about French grammar and nature-related words.

9. Bruxelles, je t’aime, by Angèle

In “Bruxelles, je t’aime,” the talented Belgian singer Angèle expresses her deep love for her hometown, Brussels. Despite the allure of other cities like Paris or New York, Angèle’s heart remains dedicated to the city where she was born.

The song’s chorus is a heartfelt declaration of love, featuring phrases like “je t’aime” (I love you), “tu m’avais manqué” (I missed you), “ma préférée” (my favorite), and “la plus belle” (the most beautiful), which you can use both for places and people.

So, whether you share her affection for Brussels or simply appreciate the language of love, “Bruxelles, je t’aime” is one of the best songs to learn French, especially when it comes to French terms of endearment.

10. Sous le ciel de Paris, by Zaz

Listening to this song feels like watching a classic French film. Originally written for a 1951 French film, “Sous le ciel de Paris” pays homage to the beauty of the French capital, Paris, and mentions famous places like “le pont de Bercy,” “Notre-Dame,” and “l’île Saint-Louis”, which is a great opportunity to learn how to name such iconic spots with perfect pronunciation.

Through a sweet melody perfectly sung by Zaz and Alborán, this modern rendition breathes new life into a classic ode to the City of Light, making it a delightful way to connect with French culture and language.

Learn French at Home with Listen & Learn

As you dive into these songs to learn French, you’ll find yourself effortlessly absorbing vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation nuances.

However, if you want to further accelerate your French learning journey, we strongly suggest complementing your musical exploration with one-to-one French courses from Listen & Learn.

These tailored French lessons offer personalized guidance and interactive activities, allowing you to deepen your understanding of French in a supportive environment.

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Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, the combination of songs to learn French and personalized courses is a winning formula.

So, why not kickstart your language-learning adventure today? Contact Listen & Learn to get a free online French lesson now.

While we pair you up with one of our fantastic native French teachers, explore our curated French Spotify playlist or search for these songs on Apple Music, and let the magic of music open the doors to a world of French language and culture.