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.
La Nage Indienne
Étienne Daho Lyrics
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Et plane dans l'eau glacée
Parmi les algues multicolorées
À nouveau, je viens te chercher
À contre-courant des bancs de poissons
Des bas fonds du chemin des noyés
Premier secours à personne en danger
N'aie pas peur, je viens te chercher
En nage indienne ou en brasse coulée
À la surface, je vais te hisser, oh wow
Serre-moi fort, si ton cœur se fait plus léger
Nous pourrons remonter
Serre-moi fort, si ton cœur se fait plus léger
Nous pourrons remonter
La route de perles fines et de corail
Hérissée d'embûches et d'écailles
Tu fais de moi le champion du plongeon
Des sorcières, des mers, des dragons
À bout de force, je t'ai déposée
Essoufflée, sur le sable séchée
Toutes tes cellules pétillent comme des bulles
Peu à peu réoxygénées
En nage indienne ou en brasse coulée
S'en sortir indemne et te hisser, oh wow
Serre-moi fort, si ton cœur se fait plus léger
Je pourrais nous sauver
Serre-moi fort, si ton cœur se fait plus léger
Je pourrais nous sauver
Nous sauver, nous sauver
En nage indienne ou en brasse coulée
S'en sortir indemne et te hisser, oh wow
Serre-moi fort, si ton cœur se fait plus léger
Je pourrais nous sauver
Serre-moi fort, si ton cœur se fait plus léger
Je pourrais nous sauver
Serre-moi fort, si ton cœur se fait plus léger
Je pourrais nous sauver
Serre-moi fort
Nous sauver
Serre-moi fort, nous sauver
Oui, nous sauver
Serre-moi fort
Nous sauver
Serre-moi fort
Serre-moi fort
In the lyrics of Étienne Daho's song "La Nage Indienne," the singer describes diving into icy waters, surrounded by colorful algae, as they make their way to save someone in danger. The imagery of swimming against the current, past schools of fish and the depths where the drowned lie, conveys a sense of urgency and determination in reaching out to rescue the person in need. The repeated reassurance to not be afraid, as the singer is coming to their aid, strengthens the theme of offering comfort and support in times of distress.
As the singer continues swimming in an "Indian swim" or breaststroke, they express their intention to lift the other person to safety, encouraging them to hold tight as they navigate through the challenges together. The act of holding on tightly symbolizes emotional support and solidarity, especially when the heart feels lighter and the possibility of rising above difficulties becomes clearer. The metaphorical journey through waters filled with obstacles like pearls, coral, and sea creatures underscores the struggles faced in relationships and the willingness to overcome them for the sake of saving each other.
The lyrics also suggest a transformation taking place as the person in distress is brought to shore and revitalized. The imagery of being placed gently on dry land, with cells reoxygenating and sparkling like bubbles, evokes a sense of renewal and healing. The singer is portrayed as a savior figure, providing much-needed resuscitation and care, enabling the other person to recover from their ordeal and regain strength.
Ultimately, the song emphasizes the power of togetherness and mutual support in facing challenges and finding a way to emerge stronger from difficult situations. The repeated phrases of "holding tight" and "saving us" reflect the idea of relying on each other for strength and salvation in times of trouble. The emotional depth and imagery in the lyrics of "La Nage Indienne" evoke a sense of compassion, resilience, and the capacity for renewal within relationships, portraying a journey of shared struggles and ultimate triumph.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Etienne Daho, Gavin Skinner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind