Writing in June 2017, just after Emmanuel Macron has shaken up the French political system and we wait to see if he can deliver, it is good to read this reminder of the way French politics is/was.
I’m not sure if this one was used; quite possibly not, or if so, only briefly.
There are some good lines in it, though.
MY NAME IS JACQUES MY NAME IS JACQUES (To the Tune of “My Name is Jack”)
VERSE 1
My first name’s Jacques and my surname’s Chirac from the Lysee Palace Home;When I use the Paris Subway they call me Metro Gnome.
CHORUS 1
JACQUES: Yes my name’s Jacques and my surname’s Chirac, From the European school of wayward right wing trends;
CHORUS: We all hate Jacques, he’s a pain in the jack- -sy, He’s almost ghastly as that bastard bloke Le Pen. (Whistle refrain)
VERSE 2
Here comes Kohl with his opinion poll which he thinks means he’ll survive;
And here comes Mitterand who’s only just alive.
It’s lots of fun so I’d love to run my full fourteen years;
Those plebs on strike can take a hike, we’re nursing our careers.
CHORUS 2
JACQUES: Yes my name’s Jacques and my surname’s Chirac, From the European race to get Maastricht criteria;
CHORUS: We all hate Jacques cos he stabs in the back, And is disappearing quickly up his own posterior. (Whistles refrain)
VERSE 3
Here’s Juppe with a lobby who say, that I shouldn’t test the bomb;
And here comes Jacques Santer, who’s Euro must get on;
There’s this silliest bloke who we love to joke who is known as Major the Creep,
Our blokes on strike can take a hike but still blockade his sheep,
Go back to sleep.
CHORUS 3
JACQUES: Yes my name’s Jacques and I’m known for my tact-, -ics, I never listen as my own thing’s what I do;
CHORUS: We all hate Jacques and his right wing brat pack, So the French republic all recherche les temps perdue.
We all hate Jacques!!!!
Here is a video of Manfred Mann singing My Friend Is Jack – you need to click through the link for the lyrics set out underneath the vid: