The paper considers the relationship between music and power in the French context, from the Ancient Régime to the Fifth Republic. More specifically, the focus is on music, especially the lyrics, as a form of protest in the hands of the ruled against the rulers and, starting from the Revolution, as an instrument of education to the citoyenneté. Besides, the paper also analyses the involvement of the government as patron of music and its use as an instrument to forge the nation and promote specific politics.