Although the ultimate Serge/Jane recording is generally considered the wildly scandalous ‘J’ Taime…Moi Non Plus’, with Birkin’s climactic orgasm managing to get the song banned almost world-wide, my favorite S&J duet is ’69–Annee Erotique’. Above is an unconvincing  (but entertaining) mock-performance of the song in a faux concert setting. The recording used is, thankfully, the sumptuous studio version that appears on the record. Jane sprawls atop a piano looking at Serge adoringly. Gainsbourg lazily lip-syncs to the recording, barely making an effort to convince anyone that he’s singing live. While I enjoy having this clip in the Serge/Jane files it feels to me more like footage shot for a more elaborate ‘music video’–to be used as cutaways in between shots of the two of them doing their crazy-in-love-on-the-streets-of-Paris bit. Below I’ve printed the English translation of the lyrics. While not one of Gainsbourg’s wittiest or most intricate set of lyrics, they are oddly wistful and, when combined with the unexpectedly emotional melody, hard not to be moved by. A true time capsule.

Gainsbourg and his gainsborough
Took the ferry-boat
From their beds, through the porthole
They watch the shore
They love eachother and the crossing
Will last a whole year
They’ll overcome the evil spells
Till 1970

69 erotic year

69 erotic year

Gainsbourg and his gainsborough
Are going to reach Paris
They had left behind them
Thames and Chelsea
They love eachother and the crossing
Will last a whole year
May the gods bless them
Till 1970

69 erotic year
69 erotic year

They love eachother and the crossing
Will last a whole year
He’ll excuse their whims
Till 1970