The duo produces music that mixes traditional Mali sound with rock guitars, Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets, Egyptian ney, Colombian trombones, Indian tablas and Dogon percussion. All these elements put together have been referred to as "Afro-blues".
In 2004 they put out an acclaimed album produced by Manu Chao.
In 2006 they were acknowledged with BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music in the two categories: Africa and Album of the Year (for the "Dimanche à Bamako" release).
www.amadou-mariam.com
La Realite
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
C'est la vie dans ce monde
Triste réalité
Que de hauts, que de bas
C'est la vie dans ce monde
Triste réalité
D'autres meurent dans ce monde
Triste réalité
Pendant que d'autres crient
D'autres rient dans ce monde
Triste réalité
Que de hauts, que de bas
C'est la vie dans ce monde
Triste réalité
Soul fire
Soul fire
Soul fire
Soul fire (let's go)
Pendant que d'autres travaillent
D'autres chôment dans ce monde
Triste réalité
Ils font que d'autres veillent
D'autres dorment dans ce monde
Triste réalité
Ceux de haut, que de bas
C'est la vie dans ce monde
Triste réalité
Soul fire
Soul fire
(Est-ce que ça va?) Soul fire
Pendant que d'autres naissent
D'autres meurent dans ce monde
Triste réalité
Pendant que d'autres chantent
D'autres pleurent dans ce monde
Triste réalité
Soul fire (yeah)
Soul fire
Soul fire (est-ce que ça va?)
Soul fire
Soul fire
Soul fire
Soul fire
Now we are going to sing all together
The dance of the devil, dance all together
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Let's go
On the mic, Mariam Doumbia!
Soul fire (est-ce que ça va?)
Est-ce que ça va?
Est-ce que ça va?
Est-ce que ça va?
The song "La réalité" by Amadou & Mariam speaks about the highs and lows of life's reality. It highlights the sadness of life, where some people are born while others die, where some people work while others are unemployed, where some people laugh while others cry, and where some people sing while others mourn. The lyrics showcase the various paradoxes present in life and depict how one's reality can be different from another's.
The repetition of the phrase "que de hauts, que de bas" emphasizes that the duality of life is a constant factor and cannot be avoided. This duality is also reflected in the repetition of the phrase "triste réalité", which implies that even though life has its ups and downs, ultimately, its reality is sad. The incorporation of the phrase "Soul fire" adds an optimistic and energetic element to the song, encouraging listeners to remain hopeful even in the face of life's challenges.
Overall, the song "La réalité" presents a reflective commentary on the inherent contrast between different elements of life, and how these paradoxes shape people's experiences and perspectives.
Line by Line Meaning
Que de hauts, que de bas
Life is full of ups and downs.
C'est la vie dans ce monde
That's life in this world.
Triste réalité
Sad reality.
Ils font que d'autres naissent
While some are born,
D'autres meurent dans ce monde
Others die in this world.
Pendant que d'autres crient
While some shout,
D'autres rient dans ce monde
Others laugh in this world.
Pendant que d'autres travaillent
While some work,
D'autres chôment dans ce monde
Others are unemployed in this world.
Ils font que d'autres veillent
While some stay awake,
D'autres dorment dans ce monde
Others sleep in this world.
Ceux de haut, que de bas
Those who are up, those who are down,
Soul fire
Unstoppable energy.
Now we are going to sing all together
Let's all sing together.
The dance of the devil, dance all together
Let's dance together in spite of the hardships,
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready to face this reality?
On the mic, Mariam Doumbia!
Mariam Doumbia is taking the lead.
Est-ce que ça va?
How are you doing?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SONY ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING FRANCE
Written by: Amadou Bagayoko
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind