Eartha Kitt, "C'est Si Bon" 1952

"C'est Si Bon" translated to mean, "It's so good" sings/talks about the pleasures of love, and makes a distinct separation of passionate love and materialistic love. The song is sung entirely in French, with the exception of a few expensive goods which are said in English. Kitt became fluent in French while traveling and performing in Europe, and often demonstrated her ability in her cabaret performances. The sound of this piece, along with a translation of the lyrics offers a clear image of a woman attempting and succeeding at forming a "sex appeal" about herself.

Instrumentation: Eartha Kitt's mezzo alto voice, a one toned male chorus group, trumpets, drums, saxophone and a bass. The majority of the song is highlighted by Kitt's slowly moving singing, with injections by loud trumpets, and the rhythmic repetition of the male chorus group singing, "Si Bon, Si Bon." The instruments have a wide variation in notes and volume. Kitt's voice also has a wide volume range, but less variation with notes due to the repetition.

Texture, Rhythm: The texture carries a homophonic set up, with a "dominant melodic voice accompanied by chorus."( Wikipedia) The male singers and the trumpets add to the chorus and repetition of the songs verses. "C'est Si Bon" has a steady rhythm, most likely 4 beats per measure.

My reaction to the lyrics: The first part of the song stresses that love does not have a price, with the line that says how times with the person you love, "are worth more than a million." Yet as the song progresses, Kitt introduces the idea of a lover "who can give me plenty of loot." Additionally she lists expensive material goods, a Cadillac, mink coats, and large jewels to add to her idea of her dream man. While talking about these items she adds these moans of pleasure to indicate how "good" it is. Over the course of the song I feel that Kitt transformed from a independent lover to was dependent on a man to make her feel beautiful. Additionally the song stuck me as a stereotypical and almost corny love song because of it is sung in French, a knowingly romantic language. I feel this song demonstrates an image of a woman that is admired not for her voice-Kitt talks throughout a lot of the song- but for her body and her possessions.