About “Ma préférence”
“Ma préférence” is an emblematic song performed by Julien Clerc. This song dates from the late 1970s and appears on the album Disque d’or 1980. It evokes a singular and enduring love, carried by a refined melody and understated arrangements. Over the years, this track has become a classic of French pop. Julien Clerc embodies the sensitivity of a generation while inscribing his distinctive style in the history of song.
At that time, the discreet relationship between the young singer and actress Miou-Miou, then partner of Patrick Dewaere, aroused the disapproval of part of the public, deeply attached to the actor since the success of the French film Les Valseuses. With “Ma préférence”, Julien Clerc nonetheless evokes that love without ever naming her. The affair was far from anecdotal: it would give rise to their daughter, Jeanne.
Key Points to Remember:
- “Ma préférence” is a classic of French pop released in 1978 on the album Disque d’or 1980, driven by a refined melody and understated arrangements.
- The secret relationship between Julien Clerc and Miou-Miou, poorly received by part of the audience attached to Patrick Dewaere, inspires “Ma préférence”, the song in which he celebrates that love, from which their daughter Jeanne was born.
- The song stages a deliberate choice of love, opposing the narrator’s deep affection to external judgments. The use of repetition “Mais elle est / Ma préférence à moi…” (‘“But she is / My preference…”) highlights the determination of the feeling.
Analysis and Meaning of “Ma préférence”
General Interpretation of the Song
Julien Clerc immerses the listener in an intimate atmosphere where every word resonates with confidence. The music allows for breathing spaces, giving the voice a privileged presence. The harmonies add a bittersweet hue, underlining the nuance between admiration and doubt. This contrast feeds the symbolism of the song, between promise and fragility.
The main theme is that of an assumed choice of love, against winds and preconceived ideas. The artist positions himself as a mediator of emotions, describing a deep affection that resists external criticism. The images evoked, “silence” and “défense”, suggest a feeling of protection and self-evidence. Through this title, Julien Clerc celebrates the uniqueness of the loved one.
“Ma préférence” on Spotify:
Analysis of the Lyrics of “Ma préférence”
- “Je le sais / Sa façon d’être à moi, parfois / Vous déplait”
(English translation: “I know it / her way of being mine, sometimes / displeases you”)
This first line immediately establishes a contrast: the “I” asserts its singular position and anticipates judgment. The use of the personal pronoun and the second person plural creates a distancing between the lover and the outside world. - “Cet air d’indifférence qui est / Sa défense / Vous fait souvent offense”
(English translation: “This air of indifference that is / her defense / often offends you”)
Dabadie describes here a protection mechanism: indifference serves as a shield. This stance is perceived as an offense by the entourage, highlighting the gap between the two worlds. - “On ne me croit pas fidèle à / Ce qu’elle est / Et déjà vous parlez d’elle à l’imparfait”
(English translation: “No one believes me faithful to / what she is / and already you speak of her in the imperfect tense”)
The last excerpt reveals the narrator’s fear: the beloved is reduced to the past before even being judged. The imperfect tense, a time of nostalgia, suggests that the entourage considers her lost.
Analysis of the Clip
Here is an excerpt from the television show Numéro un from May 27, 1978, taken from the archives of the INA (Institut national de l’audiovisuel = National Audiovisual Institute), in which Julien Clerc performs “Ma préférence” on stage, microphone in hand, in a sober and elegant performance that captures the full intensity of his stage presence. With his hairstyle and outfit, these images fully testify to the atmosphere of televised French variety shows of the late 1970s.
Technical Details
- Date of release: 1978
- Album: Disque d’or 1980
- Related songs: “Macumba”, “Le cœur trop grand pour moi”, “Elle voulait qu’on l’appelle Venise”
- Genre: French variety
- Writer(s): Jean-Loup Dabadie
- Composer(s): Julien Clerc
- Producer(s): Claude Wagner, Gérard Jardillier
- Label: Parlophone Records
Impact and Reception
Upon its release, “Ma préférence” quickly climbed the radio charts, reinforcing Julien Clerc’s trajectory as a leading performer. The public applauded the sweetness of the melody and the sincerity of the lyrics, helping to make the record a true commercial success. The concerts of the following tour regularly included this song as a finale, eliciting unanimous enthusiasm during emotionally charged moments.
On the critical side, the song was praised for its poetic subtlety and its inhabited interpretation. Critics highlighted the quality of Jean-Loup Dabadie’s writing and the balance between the musical arrangement and vocal expression. Many artists have recorded covers in homage, attesting to the lasting influence of this work in Francophone pop.
Conclusion about the Song
This conclusion highlights the profound ability of “Ma préférence” to combine lyrical delicacy with musical restraint. By revealing the sincere emotion behind each word, Julien Clerc places this work in his repertoire as an essential milestone. One can see a parallel with the tenderness of “Ne me quitte pas“, where simplicity becomes a vehicle for a universal message.
In closing, feel free to explore the meaning of this title and other best French songs to enrich your understanding. Share your opinion on “Ma préférence” in the comments to continue the discussion.