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.

Voodoo Voodoo
Étienne Daho Lyrics

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Je suis la pluie de mercure sur ta peau
Je suis ce canoë qui glisse sur ton dos
Se tire et se tord tout l'après-midi de manière complexe
Ton corps tressaille contorsion cosmique et subtile réflexe

Sortilèges exquis dans ton vortex
Et je plonge dans ton vortex
Et je plonge dans ton vortex

Je suis ton totem, ton monstre sacré
Je suis ta tribu, l'agneau sacrifié
La joie incomprise de prières étranges, mélodie complexe
Provoque des sons d'une action cosmique qui laisse perplexe

Sortilèges exquis dans ton vortex
Et je plonge dans ton vortex
Et je plonge dans ton vortex

Ce soir tous les anges sont voodoo, voodoo
L'astre mauve me pique les yeux
J'épouse tous tes soubresauts périlleux
Jusqu'aux cieux

Et je plonge dans ton vortex
Et je plonge dans ton vortex
Et je plonge dans ton vortex

Dans ton vortex

Overall Meaning

In Étienne Daho's song Voodoo Voodoo, the lyrics describe a person who is so intertwined with another that they have become a part of them. They describe themselves as the "mercury rain on your skin" and the "canoe that glides on your back" which seems to symbolize their interconnectedness. The two become one as the person's body "contorts in a cosmic and subtle reflex" in response to the other's presence. This suggests a deep spiritual connection that is beyond basic physical attraction. The lyrics also mention "exquisite spells" and "melodic complexity" that somehow cause a cosmic reaction, leaving both parties puzzled and astounded.

The chorus alludes to voodoo practices and the power of the supernatural realm. The person claims to be the other's "totem" and "sacred monster", and the joy of unexplained prayers mixed with complex melodies creates a reaction that is both mysterious and powerful. The chorus also references all the angels being "voodoo" which adds to the mystical and otherworldly feel of the song.

Overall, the lyrics of Voodoo Voodoo describe a deep spiritual connection between two individuals that is beyond physical attraction. The use of supernatural symbolism and references to voodoo practices adds to the mystery and allure of the song.

Line by Line Meaning

Je suis la pluie de mercure sur ta peau
I am the cool drops of liquid metal trickling over your skin

Je suis ce canoë qui glisse sur ton dos
I am the canoe gliding over your back

Se tire et se tord tout l'après-midi de manière complexe
It twists and turns in a complex way all afternoon

Ton corps tressaille contorsion cosmique et subtile réflexe
Your body convulses in cosmic contortions and subtle reflexes

Sortilèges exquis dans ton vortex
Exquisite spells in your vortex

Et je plonge dans ton vortex
And I dive into your vortex

Je suis ton totem, ton monstre sacré
I am your totem, your sacred monster

Je suis ta tribu, l'agneau sacrifié
I am your tribe, the sacrificial lamb

La joie incomprise de prières étranges, mélodie complexe
The misunderstood joy of strange prayers, a complex melody

Provoque des sons d'une action cosmique qui laisse perplexe
Causing sounds of a cosmic action that leaves one perplexed

Ce soir tous les anges sont voodoo, voodoo
Tonight all the angels are voodoo, voodoo