Hi Valerie
>
>I am translating a text set in the Midlands working class milieu,
during the
>1980’s.
>
>A husband has been dumped by his wife. When she returns home to collect
her
>furniture, she and the women helping her start laughing at the poor
husband
>and singing ‘WHY WAS HE BORN SO BEAUTIFUL ?’.
>I need more info on that song before deciding on a French equivalent.
Does
>anybody know it, why not some of its lyrics? What does it represents
for
>English natives?
I'm not completely sure about this, but I have heard it. I think it's a
rather vulgar song sung in male company e.g. by rugby players etc,
perhaps a little out of date now? I only know the first two lines (which
aren't vulgar at all!):
Why was he born so beautiful?
Why was he born at all?
and the tune to which it is sung is the same as the English hymn 'I love
God's tiny creatures/that wander wild and free' (if that means anything
to you!). I think it is just meant here as a mocking comment on the
faults and shortcomings of the husband.
Sorry I can't help more, but the song certainly exists.
Jill
Jill Williams
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
