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.
Timide Intimité
Étienne Daho Lyrics
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tant de proximité m'a intimidé
figé par mon complexe d'infériorité
incohérent maladroit gené
impossible de prononcer un seul mot sensé
j'me suis arraché
vite la sortie, un trou de souris
en proie à la confusion mentale, l'humiliation totale
le regard en dessous bégayant, rougissant
comme un jeunot, un adolescent
bon dieu qu'est-ce qui m'a pris
d'habitude les effets, je n'en abuse pas
figé par mon complexe d'infériorité
incohérent maladroit gené
impossible de prononcer un seul mot sensé
timide intimité.
These lyrics from Étienne Daho's song "Timide Intimité" reflect the feelings of inhibition and shyness in a situation where the singer had the desire to express their emotions but felt overwhelmed by the closeness and intimacy of the moment. The singer feels frozen and incapable of articulating their thoughts due to a deep-seated feeling of inferiority and awkwardness.
The first paragraph illustrates the internal struggle of the singer. They had a burning flame of emotions to declare but felt inhibited and intimidated by the proximity of the other person. Their insecurity and inferiority complex paralyzed them, making them incoherent, awkward, and unable to speak sensibly. The singer's response to this overwhelming situation was to physically remove themselves, desperately searching for an escape route akin to a mouse scurrying through a hole.
In the second paragraph, the lyrics delve into the singer's self-consciousness and embarrassment. They describe lowering their gaze, stammering, and blushing as if they were a young and inexperienced individual. The singer questions themselves, wondering why they allowed this situation to occur. They mention that they usually do not succumb to the effects of their insecurities, implying that they usually have more control over their emotions. However, in this instance, their inferiority complex takes hold and renders them incapable of being coherent or confident.
The repeated mention of the singer's "inferiority complex" emphasizes the deep-rooted feelings of inadequacy that hinder their ability to communicate effectively. They struggle with their words, unable to utter anything sensible. The phrase "timide intimité" encapsulates the essence of the song, suggesting that their shyness is intimately intertwined with their sense of self and their perceptions of others.
Overall, these lyrics depict a person overwhelmed by their own insecurities and inhibitions. They find themselves incapable of expressing their emotions in a moment of intimacy, resulting in feelings of confusion, humiliation, and self-doubt. The lyrics evoke a sense of vulnerability and unease, highlighting the challenges that arise from navigating one's own timidness in intimate encounters.
Line by Line Meaning
J'avais ma flamme à déclarer, mais je suis inhibé
I had my flame to declare, but I am inhibited.
tant de proximité m'a intimidé
So much proximity intimidated me.
figé par mon complexe d'infériorité
Frozen by my inferiority complex.
incohérent maladroit gené
Incoherent, clumsy, embarrassed.
impossible de prononcer un seul mot sensé
Impossible to pronounce a single sensible word.
j'me suis arraché
I pulled myself away.
vite la sortie, un trou de souris
Quickly the exit, a mouse hole.
en proie à la confusion mentale, l'humiliation totale
In the grip of mental confusion, total humiliation.
le regard en dessous bégayant, rougissant
The gaze below, stuttering, blushing.
comme un jeunot, un adolescent
Like a youngster, an adolescent.
bon dieu qu'est-ce qui m'a pris
Good Lord, what has gotten into me?
d'habitude les effets, je n'en abuse pas
Usually, I don't abuse the effects.
figé par mon complexe d'infériorité
Frozen by my inferiority complex.
incohérent maladroit gené
Incoherent, clumsy, embarrassed.
impossible de prononcer un seul mot sensé
Impossible to pronounce a single sensible word.
timide intimité
Shy intimacy.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daho Etienne, Whyte Alain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind