Lyr Req: Quel Espoire

Subject: Quel Espoire
From: Áine
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 07:05 PM

I am looking for the lyrics to 'Quel Espoire' - a song recorded by the Alley Boys of Abbeville on June 30, 1939 in Memphis, Tennessee. Another version was also recorded by Beau Soleil on their CD "L'Écho", listed under the title of 'Quel Espoir'.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Quel Espoire
From: Stewie
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 07:32 PM

I don't have the lyrics, but it is on CD on Various Artists 'Cajun Vol 1: Abbeville Breakdown 1929-39' Columbia Roots N'Blues series Ck 46220 if that's any help. Unfortunately, the CD has no lyric sheet, but it's a good'un.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Quel Espoire
From: Áine
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 07:39 PM

Dear Stewie -- I have the cassette tape of that CD -- and you're right, it's excellent! Have you heard the Beau Soleil version of this song?

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Quel Espoire
From: Stewie
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 08:02 PM

Hi Aine,

No, I haven't heard that version. By the way, someone posted this URL in a recent thread. You might have more luck posting a question in that forum: http://www.cajunfrenchmusic.org/forum/

My favourite Cajun CDs are the 3 magnificent complilations on the Country Music Foundation 'A Cajun Music Anthology' - 'Le Gran Mamou', 'Raise Your Window' and 'Gran Prairie'. They are Victor/Bluebird sessions. Have you heard them?

Cheers, Stewie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Quel Espoire
From: Áine
Date: 08 Nov 99 - 02:28 PM

Thank you so much for the link to the CFMA -- I've posted a request, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

No, I haven't heard those recordings. Do you know if they are available anywhere (and if so, where?)?

Thanks again Stewie!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Quel Espoire
From: Stewie
Date: 08 Nov 99 - 05:54 PM

Aine,

The CDs are available at CDNOW: www.cdnow.com Just put 'Country Music Foundation' in the 'Record Label' option. You will find a complete track listing for each CD. Like everything the foundation releases, they are wonderful productions - great selections, good sound, excellent notes, song lyrics with translations.

Regards, Stewie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Quel Espoire
From: Áine
Date: 09 Nov 99 - 09:19 AM

Thank you, Stewie, for all your help! I just checked the CMFA site and no answer yet -- so keep your fingers crossed for me.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Quel Espoire
From: Áine
Date: 09 Nov 99 - 05:05 PM

Dear Stewie,

Pete Bergeron responded today with the lyrics to Quel Espoire. Here they are in case you too wanted them. Thank you so much for referring me to the correct site for my query!

Merci beaucoup, mon ami -- Áine

QUEL ESPOIRE
: Alley boys of Abbeville

: J'AI ESSAYER DE RIRE
: PRET(sic-PRIX) TEMP DURE TOUS LE TEMP
: MAIS MON COEUR ESSAYER A DIRE
: QUEL ESPOIRE

: J'AI ESSAYER DE RIRE
: POUR ESSAYER DE PAS PLEURERS
: MAIS MON COEUR A TROP A DIRE
: QUEL ESPOIRE

: LE REVE J'AI REVER
: C'EST DE TOI
: DIT MOI VOIR
: POURQUOI DONC,
: IL EST PAS VRAI

: J'T'ES BESOIN A C'ET HEURE
: PLUS QUE JAMAIS AVANT
: MAIS T'A FERMER LA PORT DU CIEL
: QUEL ESPOIR


: My pleasure.

: Pete Bergeron
: KRVS FM
: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Quel Espoire
From: Stewie
Date: 09 Nov 99 - 05:41 PM

No worries at all. I am pleased you were able to obtain such a prompt response.

Regards, Stewie.