J'ai bonne grâce (Robert Meigret)

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(Posted 2024-07-25) CPDL #81405:

Editor: Christopher Shaw (submitted 2024-07-25). Score information: A4, 4 pages, 82 kB Copyright: CC BY SA

Edition notes: Please click on the link for preview/playback/PDF download. This edition is offered at original pitch for SATB or transposed down a fourth for ATTB. French text modernized.

General Information

Title: J'ai bonne grâce
Composer: Robert Meigret
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 4vv Voicings: SATB or ATTB
Genre: Secular, Chanson

Language: French
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1545 in Livre 17: 19 chansons a 4 (Pierre Attaingnant), no. 3
Description:

External websites:

Original text and translations

French text

Iay bonne grace & beau maintien
Le gentil corps & doulx langaige
Bon cueur & plaisant entretien
Que desyrez vous davantaige
Du ieu damours ie scay lusaige
Iamais ny ay le cueur vaincu
Las fault il pour ung laict visaige,
De laisser abattre ung beau cul.

French text

modernized
J'ai bonne grâce & beau maintien
Le gentil corps et doux langage
Bon cœur et plaisant entretien;
Que désirez-vous d'avantage?
Du jeu d'amour je sais l'usage
Jamais n'y ai le cœur vaincu
Las, faut-il pour un lait visage,
De laisser abattre un beau cul.

English translation

I have good grace and pleasant demeanour,
A refined body and soft speech,
A kind heart and pleasant grooming;
What more do you want?
I know my way around the game of love,
I've never broken anyone's heart there.
Alas, one must, if of pallid face,
display a pert bum.

(trans. Timmi O'Danaos & Donna Ferrentes)