Rising folk artist Amelia Coburn has just released her new single Le Fabuleux Destin de Sandra.
The touching single was inspired by the elderly lady who Coburn stayed with while she was working in Paris during her time studying languages. She spoke no English but she spoke to Coburn about her life and in particular her experiences of domestic abuse at the hands of her alcoholic husband. This woman inspired Coburn to write Sandra which was released last month and Le Fabuleux Destin de Sandra is her new French-language release.
Le Fabuleux Destin de Sandra opens with haunting strings coupled with gentle percussion as Coburn’s angelic vocal begins to set the scene. The juxtaposition of the two sides of Sandra’s life become very apparent in Coburn’s thought-provoking lyrics. Outwardly, Sandra is a strong, caring and loyal woman who goes about her life in the French capital with confidence and ease. But once at home she’s under the gaze of her abusive husband and shrinks beneath his imposing shadow. These two conflicting parts of her life are highlighted starkly in the (English) lyrics “How can one so fierce be frightened by the mouse? Mistakes are made though trust is gained, the falsest friend.” The track navigates a subject matter that is undeniably heart-wrenching and will resonate widely with listeners. Coburn’s vocal is angelic and almost childlike and the peppering of glorious high notes throughout the track allows her talent to shine.
When speaking of Le Fabuleux Destin de Sandra Coburn said, “Beyond being a musician, I’ve always been passionate about learning languages. I have a degree in French, Spanish and Russian, and I’ve also spent some time living and working in Paris. That’s why it’s long been a dream of mine to translate one of my songs. With the help of French folk singer Flossie Malavialle, I’ve finally brought that dream to life! Performing Sandra in the title character’s mother tongue adds a whole new magic and sentiment to the story behind it.”
2025 has been a busy one for Amelia Coburn so far, with support slots for The Levellers, Katherine Priddy, Hamish Hawke and Stornoway as well as her US debut at this year’s SXSW festival.
Find out more about Amelia Coburn here and have a listen to Le Fabuleux Destin de Sandra below.
Amelia Coburn – Le Fabuleux Destin de Sandra
She will be embarking on a UK headline tour in May, tickets and info are here.
09.05 YES Basement, Manchester
10.05 The Straw Yard, Berwick
11.05 The Glad Cafe, Glasgow
14.05 The Grace, London
15.05 The Louisiana, Bristol
16.05 Heartbreakers, Southampton
17.05 The Blue Moon, Cambridge
25.05 A Stone’s Throw Festival, North Shields
30.05 Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
31.05 The Live Rooms, Chester
01.06 Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham
15.08 Beautiful Days Festival, Devon