The Meaning Behind The Song: Next (Au Suivant) by Jacques Brel

As a person who frequently listens to music, I have come across numerous songs that have left a lasting impact on me. One such song is “Next (Au Suivant)” by Jacques Brel. I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house, and from the moment the haunting melody began, I was captivated.

“Next (Au Suivant)” is a song that delves into the theme of war and its devastating effects on individuals. Jacques Brel, a Belgian singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics, paints a vivid picture of the experiences of soldiers in a mobile army whorehouse. The lyrics are raw and honest, reflecting the harsh realities faced by these soldiers.

The song opens with the lines, “Naked as sin, An army towel covering my belly, Some of us blush, Somehow knees turning to jelly.” These lines immediately establish the vulnerability and discomfort felt by the soldiers in this unfamiliar and dehumanizing environment. Brel’s choice of words emphasizes the contrast between innocence and the loss thereof.

Throughout the song, Brel expresses his longing for tenderness and human connection amidst a backdrop of brutality. “Me, I really would have liked, A little bit of tenderness, Maybe a word, a smile, An hour of happiness,” he sings. These lines highlight the yearning for compassion and warmth that is absent in this grim reality.

Brel also addresses the oppressive hierarchy within the army, as shown in the verse, “The queer lieutenant who slapped, Our asses as if we were fags.” This line sheds light on the power dynamics and mistreatment faced by the soldiers, further emphasizing the dehumanization they endure.

The song takes a darker turn in the latter half, as Brel reflects on the lasting impact of his experiences. He sings, “And when I am not screaming, In a voice grown dry and hollow, I stand on endless naked lines, Of the following and the followed.” These lines portray the lasting psychological trauma that soldiers carry with them, long after their time in war has ended.

The lyrics of “Next (Au Suivant)” are laden with symbolism and metaphor. Brel’s distinctive voice adds an emotive layer to the song, intensifying the impact of the poignant lyrics. The song is a powerful commentary on the dehumanizing effects of war and the lasting scars it leaves on individuals.

“Next (Au Suivant)” is featured on the album titled “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris,” which was the original cast recording of a musical revue that paid tribute to Brel’s work. The album was released in 1968 and has been lauded for its interpretation of his songs.

In conclusion, “Next (Au Suivant)” by Jacques Brel is a song that delves into the painful realities faced by soldiers in a war setting. Its raw and emotive lyrics, accompanied by Brel’s evocative vocals, make it a haunting and memorable piece of music. This song serves as a reminder of the profound impact that war can have on individuals and the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others.

Credits:

Written By Jacques Brel

Next (Au Suivant) Covers Next by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band

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