“La Madelon” (also known as Quand Madelon or La Chanson de Madelon) is one of the most iconic French songs of World War I. It became hugely popular among French soldiers and civilians alike during the war. Here's some background and reasons for its popularity:
Full title: Quand Madelon
Lyrics: Louis Bousquet
Music: Camille Robert
Year composed: 1914
The song was written and published just as World War I was beginning. It tells the story of Madelon, a cheerful and kind-hearted barmaid who serves wine to soldiers at a tavern near the front. While the soldiers flirt and joke with her, she remains modest, faithful, and unromantic—resisting their advances with grace and humor.
Uplifting and Lighthearted:
“La Madelon” offered a cheerful contrast to the horrors of trench warfare.
Its catchy melody and playful lyrics provided emotional relief and entertainment.
Symbol of Idealized Femininity:
Madelon became a sort of mascot or sweetheart for the French army—a symbol of loyalty, warmth, and virtue.
Unlike songs that might focus on despair or longing, Madelon was portrayed as present and comforting.
A Unifying Song:
It was widely sung in cafés, military camps, and trenches, creating a sense of camaraderie.
French soldiers, regardless of background, knew the tune and lyrics.
Moral and National Spirit:
The song reinforced morale by depicting French soldiers as spirited and good-humored.
Madelon herself became a patriotic figure, tied to the image of home and the homeland.
Spread and Endurance:
It remained popular well into WWII and became a classic of the French chanson tradition.
It was performed by famous singers, including Maurice Chevalier and later by soldiers in other Allied forces.
“La Madelon” is more than a war song; it's a cultural artifact that encapsulates the spirit of French resilience and identity during WWI. It served both as a morale booster and a symbol of the everyday heroism of soldiers and those who supported them from behind the lines.
Quand
Madelon
Paroles : Louis Bousquet
Musique : Camille Robert
Pour le repos, le plaisir du militaire
Il est là-bas à deux pas de la forêt
Une maison aux murs tout couverts de lierre
"Aux Tourlourous" c’est le nom du cabaret
La Madelon pour le servir des verres
A des jupons, des tétés ravissants
Et tous les gars lui racontent des mystères
Madelon, Madelon, Madelon !
Refrain :
Quand Madelon vient nous servir à boire
Sous la tonnelle on frôle son jupon
Et chacun lui raconte une histoire
Une histoire à sa façon
La Madelon pour nous n’est pas sévère
Quand on lui prend la taille ou le menton
Elle rit, c’est tout le mal qu’elle sait faire
Madelon, Madelon, Madelon !
Nous avons tous le même camarade
Le bon Pinard qui nous rend le cœur gai
Mais quand on voit que Madelon est là
La joie revient, on oublie le danger
On la désire, on voudrait bien lui plaire
Mais elle dit quand on parle d’amour :
"Les amoureux, pour moi, sont des chimères
Je suis fidèle à tous les braves gens !"
Un jour pourtant, un caporal de garde
Dit : "Madelon, veux-tu qu’on t’emmène au pays ?"
Elle répond : "Tu crois peut-être que ça me tarde
Je ne veux pas abandonner mes amis
Je ne suis pas jolie ni très fûtée
Mais j’ai un cœur, mon cœur est tout français
Et je suis fière quand les gars me disent
‘Madelon, t’es la reine des poilus !’"
(Note: This is a singable translation with some creative liberties for rhythm and rhyme.)
For soldiers’ rest and for a bit of pleasure,
There's a small inn not far beyond the wood.
With ivy vines it is a cozy treasure,
"Aux Tourlourous" — the cabaret name stood.
There Madelon brings us our drinks and laughter,
Her smile is sweet, her dress fits her just right.
And every guy dreams that they’ll go off after
Madelon, Madelon, Madelon!
Chorus:
When Madelon comes out to pour the wine,
We lift our glasses, crowding in a line.
Each one tells her a tale of love and cheer—
His own version, for her ear.
But Madelon, though she is kind and fair,
Will only laugh when someone strokes her hair.
And that’s the worst she’ll do—just laugh, you see—
Madelon, Madelon, Madelon!
We’ve all got one same friend out on the line:
Good ol’ red wine that keeps our spirits fine.
But when we see that Madelon is near,
The world feels light, the skies again are clear.
We all would like to win her heart so true,
But she replies, "Don’t talk of love to me!
My heart is strong, I’ll stay here with my crew—
Loyal to all my brave poilus!"
One day a corporal guarding at the door
Said, “Madelon, let’s leave this war-torn shore.”
She laughed and said, “You think I long to flee?
I won’t abandon friends who fight with me.
I’m not so pretty or so very smart,
But I have pride—and all of it is French!
I feel such joy when soldiers say with heart:
‘Madelon, you’re our battlefield queen!’”