I <3 Carla Bruni

This is no French news, but I just had to tell all of you loyal readers out there! Plus, any French culture freak must know about Carla Bruni. Tomorrow at 9/8C on Dateline NBC, Barbara Walters is doing a piece on Carla, the French First Lady extraordinaire.

Can’t wait! I’m hoping it’s good… I’ve actually never heard her speak English before so I’m hoping that worked out for her.

If you are an Olympic fanatic, you might remember her taking part in the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics. She was born in Torino, and participated in the honoring of the Italian flag. I still remember!

You see, I’ve always had a thing for Mme Bruni, even before she was Mme Sarkozy..

Did I mention that not only does she sing but she was a super model as well? She’s also fluent in (at least) three languages, French, Italian, and English. And on top of that, she seems like a super lady!

The video here is her music video for “Quelqu’un m’a dit”, back from 2003 or so. (A translation of the lyrics can be found at the very end of this post.)

Her newest album came out two weeks ago in France, but to much negative buzz and controversy. She became a sketch comedy staple even before the album was released, even criticized for referencing “Columbian cocaine” in a song. Some French citizens felt that it wasn’t the place of the First Lady to be releasing albums— she is a political figure and can’t expect to live her life the way it was.

As you could probably guess, I think she has a right to do what makes her happy. She says that of all the careers she has had, music is her true passion and it’s wrong to deny someone their passion.

I also don’t like all the negative press the new album received. I’ve read forums and discussions on the album and many people go so far as to say, “I haven’t listened to it and I refuse to” for various personal reasons. Music critics have generally given it good reviews and it is unfortunate that Bruni can’t have a successful album, only because she also happens to be married to the President of France.

But nevermind the naysayers, her latest album Comme si de rien n’était (As If Nothing Happened), still reached the top of the charts from all the buzz, positive and negative! It’s also important to note that all royalties made off the album are being donated to selected French charities, so if you want to help un frère out, buy the album!

For obvious security reasons, she won’t be performing or going on tour .

I just don’t understand why the people of France aren’t in love with her like I am!

So Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, the modern Marie Antoinette?

Tes pensées alors?

“Quelqu’un m’a dit” Lyrics

Someone told me that our lives aren’t worth much.
They pass so quickly like a withering rose.
Someone told me that the time that flies is a bitch,
That from our sorrows, they make coats,
And yet, someone told me…

{Refrain:}
That you still loved me.
Yes, someone told me that you still loved me.
So how could they all be true?

Someone told me that destiny mocks us,
That it gives us nothing, but promises everything
It makes us believe happiness is in its hand
So we take its hand, but end up the fool
And yet someone told me…

{to Refrain}

But who is it that told me you always loved me?
I don’t remember, it was late in the night.
I still hear the voice, but can’t see the traits
“He loves you, it’s secret, don’t tell him that I told you”
You see someone told me…

That you still loved me – did someone really say…?
That you still loved me, how could this be true?

{Repeat first verse}

{to Refrain}