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.

Le phare
Étienne Daho Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴

C'est comme un tremblement subtil
Dans l'air pur
Ta lueur d'un lundi d'été
Une brûlure
Un délicieux baiser, une morsure
Un pacte secret

Ce sont de merveilleux moments

Où l'on sait
Ces instants où nos yeux
Flèches d'acier
Comme deux fleurets blancs
Se sont croisés
Avant d'échanger

C'est comme un phare dans le soir
C'est comme un vœu silencieux
C'est comme un phare
Et les autres n'y voient que du feu

Comme des invisibles fiançailles
Que trahissent un geste, un détail
Un regard qui couronne et qui médaille
Fait battre les sangs
Quelle est la part de chance du divin
Et la part du hasard de l'instinct?
Qui hisse haut les voiles de nos destins
M'impactent en secret

C'est comme un phare dans Le noir
C'est comme un désir impérieux
C'est comme un phare
Et les autres n'y voient que du feu

C'est comme un phare dans le soir
C'est comme un vœu silencieux
C'est comme un phare
Et les autres n'y voient que du feu

C'est comme un tremblement subtil
Dans l'air pur
Ta lueur d'un lundi d'été
Ta brûlure
Ton délicieux baiser, une morsure
Un pacte secret

C'est comme un phare dans le noir
C'est comme un désir impérieux
C'est comme un phare
Et les autres n'y voient que du feu

C'est comme un phare dans le soir
C'est comme un vœu silencieux

C'est comme un phare
Et les autres n'y voient que du feu

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Étienne Daho's "Le phare" describe a powerful attraction or connection between two people. It compares this connection to a lighthouse, symbolizing a guiding light or beacon of hope in the darkness. The first verse describes this connection as a subtle tremor in the air, represented by the purity of the air and the light of a summer Monday. It is described as both a burn and a delicious kiss, implying both pleasure and pain, and a secret pact between the two individuals.

The second verse continues to explore this connection, describing it as wonderful moments where they are aware of each other's presence. Their eyes, like white foils, meet and exchange something meaningful. It is a moment of intense attraction and understanding between the two.

The chorus repeats the comparison to a lighthouse, emphasizing that only the two individuals involved in this connection can fully understand its significance. To others, it remains invisible or incomprehensible. The third verse delves deeper into the complexities of this connection, referring to it as invisible engagement that can be betrayed by a gesture or a detail. It is a look that both crowns and medals, evoking a sense of honor and recognition. The lyrics then ponder the role of divine chance and instinct in shaping our destinies, ultimately impacting the singer in secrecy.

The song overall explores the intense attraction and connection between two individuals, portraying it as a powerful force that only they can fully comprehend. It highlights the secrecy and complexity of this connection, setting it apart from the understanding of others.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Mona Testa, Etienne Daho

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

Thierry Thierry

50w↑5

Merci Étienne Daho pour cet album. Pour ces textes ces partitions musicales. Cet orgue Hammond. Cette voix de velours qui vient nous enrober. Pour ce concept d' album. Je redécouvre Etienne et merci a vous pour ce bonheur retrouvé après tant d' année