Ça Ira
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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"Ah ! ça ira" (French: "Oh, it'll be fine") is an emblematic song of the French Revolution, first heard in May 1790. It underwent several changes in wording, all of which used the title words as part of the refrain.
Original version
The author of the original words "Ah ! ça ira, ça ira, ça ira", Ladré, was a former soldier who made a living as street singer.
The music is a popular contredanse air called le Carillon national, and was composed by Bécourt, a violinist (according to other sources: side drum player) of the théâtre Beaujolais. The queen Marie Antoinette herself is said to have often played the music on her harpsichord.
The title and theme of the refrain were inspired by Benjamin Franklin, in France as a representative of the Continental Congress, and who was very popular among the French people. When asked about the American Revolutionary War, he would always reply, in somewhat broken French, "Ça ira, ça ira" ("It'll be fine").
The song became popular during the "journée des brouettes" ("Wheelbarrow Day") which preceded the Fête de la Fédération.
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