ABSTRACT
From Brel's interviews at the time, it is clear that he did indeed work very hard and was meticulous when creating his songs. In interviews at least, Brassens, Brel and Ferre refute the notion that they embody the model for chanson production and try to claim for the most part that they are merely ordinary individuals who have chosen to write songs. If we consider these moments of apparent self-awareness in the context of the authenticity of chanson as represented in the works of Brassens, Brel and Ferre, they constitute another level to the construction of this authenticity, as Kim Harrison points out. This chapter analysis the importance of the 'Brassens-Brel-Ferre' trinity within chanson discourse from different viewpoints. Another reason for this is the awareness that Brassens, Brel and Ferre demonstrate of the industry and of their position as stars within it, as shown by the moments of self-reflexivity highlighted in their songs.
