Final answer:
Several songs by Georges Brassens exhibit existentialist themes such as freedom, personal choice, and skepticism of societal norms, aligning with key existentialist beliefs although Brassens himself may not have explicitly identified with the movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, there are several songs by Georges Brassens that could be considered existentialist in nature. Brassens' lyrics often reflect on themes of freedom, mortality, and the individual's relationship with society - all core elements of existentialist philosophy. For instance, his song "Le Déserteur" confronts the idea of personal choice and moral responsibility in the face of war, paralleling the existentialists' exploration of the individual's role in shaping their essence through actions.
Existentialism posits that humans are free and this freedom is at the core of our being, a position that can lead to a great deal of anxiety, or as Sartre describes, a 'nausea.' Brassens' songs, replete with introspective lyrics, often discourse on the challenges and absurdities of existence, aligning with such existentialist concepts. Moreover, his articulate skepticism of social conventions and religious dogmatism echoes existentialist ideas about the necessity of making authentic choices free from externally imposed values.
It is crucial to note that while Brassens might not label himself an existentialist, the influence of existentialist thinkers is palpable in his work. Songs like "La mauvaise réputation" and "Les copains d'abord" demonstrate a focus on individuality and camaraderie that defy societal expectations, embodying the existentialist stance on freedom and human relationships.