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.
Chez Les Yé-Yé
Étienne Daho Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ni les gris-gris que tu portais
Da dou ron ron que tu écoutais
Au bar dum dum où tu dansais
Non rien n'aura raison de moi,
J'irai t'chercher, ma Lolita,
Chez les Yé-Yé, ye ye
Sous les tam-tams du yé yé yé
Oui à Sing-Sing je finirai
J'ai un coupe-coupe à cran d'arrêt
Sous les tam-tams du yé yé yé
Fais un flashback au temps passé
Est-ce que t'entends c'que j'te disais
Je suis fou, fou, fou de t'aimer
Non rien n'aura raison de moi,
J'irai t'chercher, ma Lolita,
Chez les Yé-Yé, ye ye.
The lyrics to Etienne Daho's song Chez Les Yé-Yé express a strong desire to be reunited with a lost love. The singer reminisces about their past, recalling the music they listened to, the dances they shared, and the clothing they wore. Despite the distance and time that has passed, the singer is determined to find their love again and will stop at nothing to do so.
The repeated refrain of "Chez les Yé-Yé" emphasizes the importance of this time period in their relationship, and the singer imagines reuniting with their love under the same rhythms and charms of the Yé-Yé genre. The energetic and adventurous tone of the song is reflected in the use of percussive instruments, which create a sense of movement and urgency.
Overall, the lyrics speak to the enduring power of love and the lengths to which one will go to be with someone they care deeply about. The nostalgia and longing expressed in the song are relatable emotions that are conveyed through the catchy melody and lively rhythm.
Line by Line Meaning
Ni les tam-tams du yé yé yé
The repetitive drumming of the yé yé yé music genre has no power over me.
Ni les gris-gris que tu portais
Even the protective amulets you used to wear have no effect on me.
Da dou ron ron que tu écoutais
The simplistic, catchy music you listened to cannot change my mind.
Au bar dum dum où tu dansais
Even the lively atmosphere of the bar where you used to dance cannot sway me.
Non rien n'aura raison de moi,
Nothing will stop me from finding you.
J'irai t'chercher, ma Lolita,
I will go and find you, my Lolita.
Chez les Yé-Yé, ye ye
I will search for you within the realm of yé yé music.
Sous les tam-tams du yé yé yé
Searching for you amidst the repetitive drumming of yé yé music.
J'f'rais du ram dam, je me connais
I will cause a commotion, as I know how to do.
Oui à Sing-Sing je finirai
I am willing to face any consequence in my search for you.
J'ai un coupe-coupe à cran d'arrêt
I am armed with a sharp, deadly machete.
Sous les tam-tams du yé yé yé
Still searching for you amidst the repetitive drumming of yé yé music.
Fais un flashback au temps passé
Remember the time we spent together in the past.
Est-ce que t'entends c'que j'te disais
Can you hear the things I used to say to you?
Je suis fou, fou, fou de t'aimer
I am crazily in love with you.
Non rien n'aura raison de moi,
Still nothing will stop me from finding you.
J'irai t'chercher, ma Lolita,
I will continue to search for you, my Lolita.
Chez les Yé-Yé, ye ye.
Even if it means searching within the realm of yé yé music.
Contributed by Juliana O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.