Daho is best known in Britain for his appearence on the number 11 Saint Etienne hit single "He's On The Phone", which is an English-language adaptation of his 1984 French-language hit "Weekend à Rome". He also collaborated with Saint Etienne on the Resurrection EP, his album Eden, and his single "Le Premier Jour", itself based on the track "Ready or Not" from Sarah Cracknell's 1997 solo album "Lipslide".
He has worked with many other artists, such as Chris Isaak, Marianne Faithfull, Elli Medeiros, Astrud Gilberto, Vanessa Daou, the Swingle Singers, and more. His duet with Charlotte Gainsbourg, titled "If", was released in 2004.
His 1996 album Eden featured a mix of electronic-oriented songs, ranging from downtempo ballads to drum 'n' bass-influenced tracks, and HiNRG dance. Corps & armes (2000) saw Daho return to a more orchestral sound fuelled by traditional instruments, such as piano, acoustic guitar, and horns. In 2004, he released Réévolution, which featured a guitar-heavy rock sound.
In 2012, he produced and composed songs for French comedian/singer Lou Doillon for her first album Places.
Étienne Daho is one of the most influential French pop singers of the last four decades. His extensive work has seen him collaborate with many artists, and explore a wide range of musical styles.
Caribbean Sea
Étienne Daho Lyrics
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Sombre Marine, mes silences te gênent?
S'en aller un mot, cap pour rire à nouveau
Et voir un peu où ces bateaux me mènent
Car entre nous deux, c'est plus la peine
Les non-dit's, les on-dit's, ça m'plait pas
Tout ce que je t'ai dit, ça se dit pas
Caribbean, caribbean
S'en aller sans un mot, parcourir à nouveau
Iles nouvelles pour sirènes obscènes
Puisqu'entre nous deux c'est plus la peine
J'veux baiser qu'avec toi, ça s'dit pas
Et un bébé comme toi, ça s'prête pas
Ça s'prête pas
Caribbean blue, blue nights on islands
The song "Caribbean Sea" by Étienne Daho explores the themes of leaving behind a troubled relationship and seeking solace in the Caribbean Sea. The lyrics speak to the desire to escape without saying a word, getting lost once again in the vastness of the sea. The singer questions whether their silence bothers their companion, suggesting a breakdown in communication within the relationship. They feel that it is no longer necessary to stay together, indicating a sense of detachment and disinterest.
The second paragraph delves into the idea of unspoken words and gossip. The singer expresses their discomfort with rumors and hearsay, emphasizing that they would rather not disclose their intimate conversations. They imply that these things should not be shared or traded like commodities. The repetition of "ça s'deale pas" reinforces the sentiment that certain things should remain private and not be discussed openly.
The chorus, consisting of the word "Caribbean" repeated twice, serves as a bridge between the different verses and acts as a symbol of the desired escape. The mention of the Caribbean Sea represents a destination or state of mind where the singer can find peace and freedom.
In the third paragraph, the singer continues their desire to leave without uttering a word, aiming to explore new islands and encounters while leaving behind the burdens of their current relationship. The mention of "sirènes obscènes" (obscene sirens) hints at the allure of new experiences and attractions in the Caribbean. They reaffirm the notion that there is no longer any reason to stay together, suggesting a lack of emotional connection or fulfillment.
The fourth paragraph introduces the topic of physical intimacy. The singer states their desire to only be intimate with their partner and implies that such desires should not be spoken aloud. They also mention having a baby with their partner, suggesting that it is not something they are willing to consider or allow. The repetition of "ça s'prête pas" emphasizes the idea that some things are not suitable or appropriate in their current situation.
The mention of "Caribbean blue, blue nights on islands" in the final line symbolizes the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the Caribbean Sea. It represents the singer's longing for peaceful nights and a sense of freedom in this idyllic setting. Overall, the lyrics of "Caribbean Sea" explore themes of detachment, escape, and the desire for a fresh start in a new, vibrant environment.
Line by Line Meaning
S'en aller sans un mot et se perdre à nouveau
To leave without a word and get lost again
Sombre Marine, mes silences te gênent?
Dark Marine, do my silences bother you?
S'en aller un mot, cap pour rire à nouveau
To leave with a word, heading for laughter again
Et voir un peu où ces bateaux me mènent
And see where these boats take me
Car entre nous deux, c'est plus la peine
Because between us two, it's no longer worth it
Les non-dit's, les on-dit's, ça m'plait pas
I don't like the unsaid, the rumors
Tout ce que je t'ai dit, ça se dit pas
Everything I told you, it shouldn't be said
Ça s'deale pas
It's not dealt with
Caribbean, caribbean
Caribbean, Caribbean
S'en aller sans un mot, parcourir à nouveau
To leave without a word, explore again
Iles nouvelles pour sirènes obscènes
New islands for obscene sirens
Puisqu'entre nous deux c'est plus la peine
Since between us two, it's no longer worth it
J'veux baiser qu'avec toi, ça s'dit pas
I want to make love only with you, it shouldn't be said
Et un bébé comme toi, ça s'prête pas
And a baby like you, it doesn't fit
Ça s'prête pas
It doesn't fit
Caribbean blue, blue nights on islands
Caribbean blue, blue nights on islands
Lyrics © BEUSCHER ARPEGE
Written by: HARRY CLAY GIBSON (CHARLES JARDIN), FRANCIS LOPEZ (FRANCISCO LOPEZ)
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind