About

Au Marchi owes its composition to the desire by Guernsey to mark The Year of the Normans (1000th anniversary of the birth of Duke William of Normandy, named the Conqueror) in an enduring way through a Guernesiais-language song that tells of a shared Norman heritage, which can be sung by generations today and in the future.  

As an anchor, the central theme of Au Marchi recalls La Feire à Lessay (an ancient agricultural fair in Lessay), which Guernsey folk have traditionally visited since time immemorial. While the agricultural interest for Guernsey visitors may have waned, the tradition endures.

Much may have changed in Continental Normandy, where French culture has had an enormous impact; similarly, English culture has had its influence in Guernsey. Yet the Norman language provides a linguistic link, and the desire to preserve and promote this unique cultural asset is a shared, unifying endeavour.

In writing the lyrics and composing the music, Yan & Emily have been mindful of a shared Norman heritage and have chosen words and music to reflect this rich, often overlooked heritage.

The song title, Au Marchi (the market), while denoting trade and commerce, also hints at cultural exchange. The first verse begins with an envisaged boat trip towards Lessay, Nou-z ira dans aen baté pour Lessay, (we’ll head towards Lessay in a boat), Pour veie les vacques, pour veis les ch’faoux, et y acataï d’tché qu’i faout. (to see cows and horses, and to buy necessities).

The chorus, Tous d’ichin, tous Normands, l’s affaires au marchi, Coume aen va-et-viant, tous d’ichin tous Normands. (all from here, all Normans, market exchanges, like a ferry (back and forth, all from here, all Normans), implies a common Norman culture and heritage.

Verse two conjures the market itself, Aen caoup là, nou-z a pllaisi au marchi, Nou goûte d’l’esprit d’la Normandie (Once there we enjoy some of the spirit of Normandy), Nou fait l’s acats en caompognie (We make purchases and socialise), and emphasises the social aspect of these places.

Verse three is reflection and return: Au but du jour, nou s’ramasse pour Guernesi (at the day’s end, we head for Guernsey), d’la gâche et d’tché bouan (full of good cake and good things, ‘cake’ here denotes gastronomic delights and ‘things’ speaks also of experiences). Les maoues nous cachent et tout va bian (the seagulls chase us and all is well); these last lines paint a picture of seagulls following a boat of contented, homeward-bound Guernsey folk.