Étienne Daho (born January 14, 1956 in Oran, Algeria) is a French singer-so… Read Full Bio ↴Étienne Daho (born January 14, 1956 in Oran, Algeria) is a French singer-songwriter and musician. Since the early 1980s, he has had an extensive and successful career in the French-speaking world, with a synth-driven and rock-influenced pop sound. He is known for his low, whispery singing style, similar to Leonard Cohen and Benjamin Biolay, and for his innovative and creative music videos. His main influence is Francoise Hardy.

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.

Late Night
Étienne Daho Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I woke up today and you weren't there to play
Then I wanted to be with you
When you showed me your eyes, whispered low of the skies
Then I wanted to stay with you
Inside me I feel alone and unreal
And the way you kiss will always be
A very special thing to me
When I lay still at night, seeing stars high and light

Then I wanted to be with you
When the rooftops shone dark, all alone saw a spark

Spark of love, just to stay with you
Inside me I feel alone and unreal
And the way you kiss, will always be
A very special thing to me
If I mention your name, turn around on a chain
Then the sky opens out for you
When the grow very tall, when I saw you so small
Then I wanted to stay with you
Inside me I feel alone and unreal

And the way you kiss, will always be
A very special thing to me.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Étienne Daho's song "Late Night" showcase the powerful emotions that come with attraction and romantic love. The singer describes waking up feeling lonely without their love interest and yearning to be with them. When the love interest whispers about the skies, and they see the stars at night, the singer feels drawn to be with them even more. The way they kiss is described as a "very special thing," which highlights the intimacy and passion shared between the two.

The singer alternates between feeling "alone and unreal" and wanting to stay with their love interest. The mention of the love interest's name causing the sky to "open out for you" speaks to the transformative power of love. The final lines suggest that despite feeling alone and unreal, the way the love interest kisses will always hold a special place in the singer's heart.

Overall, the lyrics of "Late Night" capture the highs and lows of romantic love and the longing that often comes with it. The raw emotions expressed in the song make it relatable to those who have experienced similar feelings in their own relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

When I woke up today and you weren't there to play
I miss having you around and wish we could spend time together

When you showed me your eyes, whispered low of the skies
I was captivated by the beauty in your eyes and the dreams you shared with me

Inside me I feel alone and unreal
Despite being with others, I feel isolated and detached from reality

And the way you kiss will always be A very special thing to me
Your affection is treasured by me and always will be

When I lay still at night, seeing stars high and light
In moments of solitude, gazing at the stars reminds me of you

When the rooftops shone dark, all alone saw a spark
Even in the darkness and loneliness of night, thoughts of you bring a spark of joy

If I mention your name, turn around on a chain Then the sky opens out for you
Simply hearing your name fills me with wonder and opens up new possibilities

When the grow very tall, when I saw you so small Then I wanted to stay with you
In moments where you seem small and vulnerable, I want to be there to support you

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Barrett Syd

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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