Jeanne Renee de Bombelles facts for kids

Jeanne-Renée de Bombelles, Marquise de Travanet (born May 3, 1753 – died May 4, 1828) was a French composer and poet. She is best known today for writing the famous French folk song Pauvre Jacques.

Jeanne-Renée's parents were Henri Francois de Bombelles and Genevieve Charlotte de Badains. She had several brothers and sisters. Before she got married, she served as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Elizabeth, who was the sister of King Louis XVI of France. A lady-in-waiting was a woman who helped a royal lady with her daily life and duties. Jeanne-Renée married the Marquis de Travanet in November 1779, but they later divorced.

The Story of Pauvre Jacques

Jeanne-Renée de Bombelles wrote the music for the song Pauvre Jacques (which means "Poor Jacques"). Some people believe she also wrote the words for the song. However, other sources say that a member of the royal family wrote the lyrics. This might have been Queen Marie Antoinette or King Louis XVI's sister, Princess Elizabeth.

Pauvre Jacques Lyrics

Here are the words to the famous song Pauvre Jacques:

I did not feel my misery;
But now that you live far from me
I miss everything on earth.
When you came to share my work,
I found my task light,
Do you remember it? every day was beautiful.
Who will make this time prosperous for me?
When the sun shines on our huts,
I cannot endure its light:
And when I am in the shade of the forests.
I blame the whole of nature.
Poor Jacques, when I was near you,
I did not feel my misery;
But now that you live far from me
I lack everything on earth.

Other Musical Works

Besides Pauvre Jacques, Jeanne-Renée de Bombelles also composed two collections of songs. These were called Romances et Chansons, avec accompaniment de pianoforte ou le harpe. This means "Romances and Songs, with piano or harp accompaniment." Many other collections of music also include her individual songs.