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.
Signé Kiko
Étienne Daho Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
S'en est fallu d'peu pour qu'il en meure d'ennui
S'il avait des sous s'enfuirait loin d'ici
Dans son île retrouver ses amis
Dans son île où l'attend Lolly
Ses dernières lettres parlent de soleil
De journées lumière, de plaisir au réveil
De poissons dorés, de bateaux, de merveilles
Mais ici, sa couleur l'isole
Lolly attends-moi, je reviendrai bientôt
J'me débrouillerai par avion par bateau
Lolly attends-moi je reviendrai bientôt
J'me débrouillerai par avion par bateau
Signé Kiko.
The lyrics of Étienne Daho's song "Signé Kiko" paint a picture of a man who is bored and disillusioned with his current surroundings. He spends his afternoon watching the rain fall, on the verge of dying of boredom. He dreams of escaping to his island where his beloved Lolly awaits him, according to his letters filled with descriptions of sunny days, golden fish, boats and marvels. But in reality, he is stuck in a grey, isolating world. He longs to be with Lolly again and promises to find a way to return to her soon, whether it be by plane or by boat.
On a deeper level, the song can be interpreted as a commentary on the human desire for escape and the disillusionment that comes with unfulfilled dreams. The man in the song has created a fantasy world in his mind where all his problems will disappear, but the reality of his situation is much harsher. The song also explores the themes of isolation and loneliness, as the man feels disconnected from the world around him and longs for connection with his lover.
Line by Line Meaning
Tout l'après-midi à regarder la pluie
He spent the whole afternoon staring at the rain
S'en est fallu d'peu pour qu'il en meure d'ennui
He almost died of boredom
S'il avait des sous s'enfuirait loin d'ici
If he had money, he would escape far from here
Dans son île retrouver ses amis
He would find his friends on his island
Dans son île où l'attend Lolly
Lolly is waiting for him on the island
Ses dernières lettres parlent de soleil
His last letters talk about the sun
De journées lumière, de plaisir au réveil
Of bright days, of pleasure when waking up
De poissons dorés, de bateaux, de merveilles
Of golden fish, boats, and wonders
Mais ici, le ciel gris le désole
But here, the gray sky depresses him
Mais ici, sa couleur l'isole
But here, his color isolates him
Lolly attends-moi, je reviendrai bientôt
Lolly, wait for me, I will come back soon
J'me débrouillerai par avion par bateau
I will manage by plane or by boat
Signé Kiko.
Signed Kiko.
Writer(s): Etienne Daho Copyright: Satori Songs
Contributed by Alexandra K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.