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 mémoire vive
Étienne Daho Lyrics
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Le vent du sud nous rend amnésiques
En sursis, la joie de nos bons moments
Mais sans garantie d'un bonheur tranquille
L'amour renaît plusieurs fois
Ma mémoire vive pleine de toi
Mon meilleur souvenir
Bien à toi
Après l'orage, l'accalmie
Anesthésie toute nostalgie
Ravive nos cœurs convalescents
L'amour amitié devient moins fragile
L'amour renaît plusieurs fois
Ma mémoire vive pleine de toi
Mon meilleur avenir
Bien à toi
Bien à toi
Bien à toi
Bien à toi
Deux croissants de lune dans le même anneau
Scintillent au-dessus de l'eau
Si tu fermes les yeux, tu les sens apparaître
Tatoués sur ta peau
Tatoués sur ta peau
L'amour revit plusieurs fois
Ma mémoire vive pleine de toi
Mon meilleur avenir
Bien à toi
Bien à toi
Bien à toi
Bien à toi
Premier soleil de l'an 2000
Bien à toi
Bien à toi
Premier soleil de l'an 2000
Bien à toi
Bien à toi
Premier soleil de l'an 2000
Bien à toi
Bien à toi
The lyrics of Étienne Daho's song "La mémoire vive" convey a sense of renewal and optimism in love. The song begins with the aftermath of a rain shower, where the warm southern wind erases any lingering memories or regrets. The joy of good moments is on hold, uncertain if it will bring lasting happiness. However, love can be reborn multiple times, filling the singer's memory with thoughts of their beloved. This memory is described as vivacious and full, serving as the singer's best recollection. The refrain "Bien à toi" ("Yours truly") is repeated, emphasizing a deep connection and devotion.
The second verse continues the theme of renewal, this time after a storm. The calmness that follows acts as an anesthesia for any nostalgia, reviving the recovering hearts of the lovers. The idea of love becoming friendship is introduced, highlighting its newfound strength and resilience. The refrain is repeated once again, reaffirming the singer's affection and dedication.
The bridge introduces a picturesque image of two crescent moons shining above the water, appearing as tattoos on the listener's skin when their eyes are closed. This image serves as a symbol of the lasting impression that love leaves on one's being.
The final verse emphasizes that love can be revived multiple times, echoing the theme throughout the song. The singer's memory remains full of thoughts of their beloved, and they see their best future with them. The refrain is repeated for the last time, expressing the singer's sincere devotion.
Notably, the lyrics of "La mémoire vive" convey a sense of hope and renewal in love. They illustrate that even after difficult times, love can be revived and cherished. The repetition of the phrase "Bien à toi" emphasizes the depth of the singer's feelings and their commitment to their beloved.
Line by Line Meaning
Après l'averse, l'éclaircie
After the rain, comes the clearing
Le vent du sud nous rend amnésiques
The southern wind makes us forgetful
En sursis, la joie de nos bons moments
The joy of our good moments is temporary
Mais sans garantie d'un bonheur tranquille
But with no guarantee of a peaceful happiness
L'amour renaît plusieurs fois
Love is reborn multiple times
Ma mémoire vive pleine de toi
My live memory is filled with you
Mon meilleur souvenir
My best memory
Bien à toi
Well wishes to you
Après l'orage, l'accalmie
After the storm, comes the lull
Anesthésie toute nostalgie
Anesthetizes all nostalgia
Ravive nos cœurs convalescents
Revives our recovering hearts
L'amour amitié devient moins fragile
Love friendship becomes less fragile
Deux croissants de lune dans le même anneau
Two crescent moons in the same ring
Scintillent au-dessus de l'eau
Glisten above the water
Si tu fermes les yeux, tu les sens apparaître
If you close your eyes, you can feel them appear
Tatoués sur ta peau
Tattooed on your skin
Premier soleil de l'an 2000
First sun of the year 2000
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Etienne Daho, Jean Christophe Eluard, Sandy Stewart, David Munday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind