Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
La sortie, je la vois, elle est là, on est peu
Bien trop peu, au travers, murs épais je peux le faire
Faire tomber, les écrans, du trompage, du trompage
S'accrochant au vide, à de la fumée, les balles sont crevées, tout recommencer
Que voudra-t-on voir, le rideau lever, le silence est d'or, je ne suis pas d'accord
Ne pas faire d'effort, et beaucoup bailler, pouvoir s'élever, et vous saluer
On n'est pas pigeon, peut-être bien des cons, la réalité, de l'autre façon
The lyrics of Stereolab's song Emperor Tomato Ketchup are not straightforward, and their meaning is open to interpretation. In this song, the singer describes a maze-like environment where they see a way out, but there are obstacles in the way. The lyrics suggest that the singer is struggling to break free from some type of deception or control that has been imposed on them. The line "Faire tomber, les écrans, du trompage, du trompage" translates to "to make the screens fall, from deception, from deception."
The following lines could be interpreted as the singer becoming aware of their limited perspective, and they become disillusioned with the idea of success or achieving something of great value. Instead, they suggest that the silence and stillness they find in their current state are preferable. The line "Le silence est d'or, je ne suis pas d'accord" translates to "The silence is golden, I don't agree."
Overall, Emperor Tomato Ketchup's lyrics express a sense of confusion, disillusionment, and possibly rebellion against the prevailing order. The lyrics, combined with the song's lush soundscapes and hypnotic rhythm, create a surrealistic atmosphere that encourages the listener to interpret the meaning in their way.
Line by Line Meaning
Les allées, les venues, labyrinthe, mais qu'y vois je?
Navigating through a complex and confusing world, but what do I see?
La sortie, je la vois, elle est là, on est peu
I see the exit, it's there, but we are few in number.
Bien trop peu, au travers, murs épais je peux le faire
There are far too few of us, but I can break through these thick walls.
Faire tomber, les écrans, du trompage, du trompage
I will bring down the screens that deceive and manipulate us.
S'accrochant au vide, à de la fumée, les balles sont crevées, tout recommencer
Holding onto emptiness and smoke, our efforts have failed and we must start over.
Que voudra-t-on voir, le rideau lever, le silence est d'or, je ne suis pas d'accord
What do they want us to see, as the curtain rises and silence reigns? I do not agree.
Ne pas faire d'effort, et beaucoup bailler, pouvoir s'élever, et vous saluer
Some may not make any effort and just passively yawn, but I will rise up and greet you.
On n'est pas pigeon, peut-être bien des cons, la réalité, de l'autre façon
We're not pigeons, perhaps just fools, but reality can be viewed in another way.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: Laetitia Sadier, Timothy John Gane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@barefootandindependent
6 years and zero comments.... on one of the best albums of all time. that's wild. saw em twice while Mary was still alive!
@rustyapellido4611
For a long period after this was initially uploaded it was claimed and hidden from worldwide viewing, I uploaded it back then because it wasn't on youtube at that time, but then it got claimed immediately and I went "oh I guess that's why lol". Would be interesting to know what changed that allows this video to be public now. Your comment reminded me I even uploaded this video, funny how life works out. Stay powerful my friend <3
@DanHintz
their best album. excellent.
@colinryan8753
Brilliant☆🤩
@marguskiis7711
their best