Beranger
PIERRE JEAN DE (bā-rôn-zhā'), a French poet, born in Paris, Aug. 19, 1780. His father took him to Paris in 1802; but they soon quarrelled and he began life in that garret which became famous. In 1804 Lucien Bonaparte helped him out with a clerkship in the University. Meanwhile he had composed many convivial and political songs, but never wrote them down until 1812. When his poems were published, in 1815, he was recognized as the champion of the faction opposed to the Bourbons. His popularity with the working classes was immense, and he made the song a powerful political weapon.
His republicanism and enthusiasm for Napoleon suited the multitude. Two volumes published in 1821 led to his imprisonment; and another in 1825 caused a second incarceration. "New Songs," appeared in 1830, and his "Autobiography" in 1840. In 1848 he was elected to Parliament, but begged to be released.
His songs are full of wit, light-heartedness, and musical grace. Among the best are the "King of Yvetot," "The Old Flag," "The Old Corporal," "Roger Bontemps," "My Grandmother," "Little Red Man," "Little Gray Man," and "The Marquis of Carabas." He died in Paris, July 16, 1857.