Les sucettes

Les sucettes Single

Les Sucettes ("The Lollipops") is a French pop song released in 1966, famously performed by France Gall. The song was written by Serge Gainsbourg and is one of his most controversial works due to its double entendre and underlying sexual innuendos, which were not immediately apparent to Gall at the time of recording.

Background

France Gall was a popular yé-yé singer in the 1960s, known for her innocent image. Serge Gainsbourg, a prominent French songwriter, was known for his provocative and often controversial lyrics. "Les Sucettes" was part of Gall's collaboration with Gainsbourg, which produced several hits during the mid-1960s.

Lyrics and Controversy

The song's lyrics ostensibly tell the story of a girl named Annie who enjoys anise-flavored lollipops. However, the song's playful melody and innocent presentation by Gall masked the double meanings in Gainsbourg's lyrics, which suggest a more sexual interpretation of "sucettes" (lollipops).

The controversy surrounding "Les Sucettes" arose when it became clear that France Gall was unaware of the song's double entendre. She was 18 at the time of the song's release and later expressed feeling betrayed by Gainsbourg and her management for exploiting her naivety.

Impact and Legacy

Despite the controversy, or perhaps because of it, "Les Sucettes" became one of Gall's most talked-about songs. It marked a turning point in her career, leading her to eventually break away from her innocent image and take more control over her music and public persona.

The song remains a significant example of Gainsbourg's lyrical skill and his penchant for embedding complex meanings within seemingly simple pop songs. It also highlights the darker side of the music industry, where young artists can be manipulated and their images crafted without their full understanding or consent.

"Les Sucettes" has been covered and referenced by various artists over the years, attesting to its enduring influence in French pop culture. It also contributed to the ongoing discussion about the sexualization of young female performers in the music industry.

See Also

• France Gall
• Serge Gainsbourg
• Yé-yé
• Double entendre