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.

On s'fait la gueule
Étienne Daho Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Entre nous deux, c'est la guerre
Notre histoire qui se traîne par terre
C'est la haine et c'est la bataille
Enfin bref, tous deux on déraille, oh

Pourtant je sais qu'tu m'aimes encore
Pourtant je sais qu'tu m'aimes encore
Pourtant je sais qu'tu m'aimes encore, oh

Nous sommes à couteaux tirés
Ça va finir par éclater
Regards en coin et méfiance
Mal à l'aise et désespérance, oh

Pourtant tu sais qu'je t'aime encore, oui
Pourtant tu sais qu'je t'aime encore, oui
Pourtant tu sais qu'je t'aime encore, oh-oh

Il y a de l'eau dans le gaz
Ça m'fait craquer, ça te déphase
On s'fait du mal, on s'fait la gueule
Je te quitte et tu me laisses seul

Il y a de l'huile sur le feu
Et l'on joue à ce petit jeu
Si tu n'fais pas le moindre signe
Tant pis, fini, point à la ligne, oh

Pourtant je sais qu'tu m'aimes encore, oui
Pourtant je sais qu'tu m'aimes encore, oui
Pourtant je sais qu'tu m'aimes encore, oh-oh

Pourtant je sais qu'tu m'aimes encore, oui

Pourtant je sais qu'tu m'aimes encore, oui
Pourtant je sais qu'tu m'aimes encore, oh-oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Étienne Daho's song "On s'fait la gueule" depict a tumultuous and conflict-ridden relationship between two individuals. The opening lines, "Entre nous deux, c'est la guerre" (Between us two, it's war), set the tone for the troubled dynamic between the couple. Their history is described as dragging on the ground and filled with hate and battles, suggesting a sense of stagnation and resentment.

Despite the ongoing conflict, the singer acknowledges that deep down, they know their partner still loves them. The repeated line, "Pourtant je sais qu'tu m'aimes encore" (Yet I know you still love me), reveals a bittersweet realization that love still lingers amidst the chaos. It hints at a conflicting mixture of anger and longing.

The song emphasizes the strained atmosphere between the two individuals with the imagery of knives drawn, ready for a confrontation. The lyrics convey a sense of impending explosion, as the tension grows and threatens to erupt. There are sideways glances and deep distrust, rendering both parties uncomfortable and desperate.

The chorus, "Il y a de l'eau dans le gaz, ça m'fait craquer, ça te déphase" (There's trouble brewing, it drives me crazy, it disorients you), suggests that the relationship has reached a breaking point. The conflicts and misunderstandings between them have become unbearable. They hurt each other, engage in arguments, and play this game of antagonism. The singer even contemplates leaving their partner but realizes that being alone doesn't provide any solace.

The final verse alludes to adding fuel to the fire and the individuals continuing to play this dangerous game. If there is no effort made to improve the situation on either side, it is suggested that the relationship will reach its end, with no chance of reconciliation. The line "Tant pis, fini, point à la ligne" (So be it, it's over, end of the story) implies resignation to the inevitable outcome.

Overall, "On s'fait la gueule" portrays a relationship marred by conflict, distrust, and a struggle for power. It captures the complexities of love and the pain that can arise when two people are at odds with each other, yet still hold on to the hope that their feelings for each other endure.

Line by Line Meaning

Entre nous deux, c'est la guerre
Our relationship is a constant battle

Notre histoire qui se traîne par terre
Our story is falling apart

C'est la haine et c'est la bataille
It's filled with hatred and conflict

Enfin bref, tous deux on déraille, oh
In short, we're both going off the rails

Pourtant je sais qu'tu m'aimes encore
Still, I know you still love me

Nous sommes à couteaux tirés
We're at each other's throats

Ça va finir par éclater
It's going to explode

Regards en coin et méfiance
Sideways glances and mistrust

Mal à l'aise et désespérance, oh
Uneasiness and despair, oh

Pourtant tu sais qu'je t'aime encore, oui
Yet you know I still love you, yes

Il y a de l'eau dans le gaz
There's tension in the air