Les vieux amants

I was inspired by the beautiful love song “les vieux amants” (the old lovers) by Jacques Brel, one of my favorite singers/song writers. It is a poetic masterpiece about enduring a long-term relationship with all its ups and downs. The song reflects on twenty years of “mad love”. The lyrics detail the passage of time, emphasizing the stormy nature of the relationship as well as a deep, enduring affection and tenderness.

Lyrics by Jacques Brel, music co-composed by Jacques Brel and Gerard Jouannest, Brel’s pianist and one of his closest music collaborators.

The problem with the song is once hummed, very difficult to get out of your head!

The picture of this loving old couple was found on the internet, rights purchased.

Materials and technique: Commercial cotton fabrics, shirt fabric (my husband’s), tule, cut up chiffon shawl (mine), free motion embroidery and some hand stitching.