Corneille developed an interest in music early on, and it was an interest his father supported and encouraged. His influences included Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole as well as Prince and other artists.
At 16 years old Corneille made his first recording, and was selected as a finalist in a music contest sponsored by the state run television station in Kigali. Corneille's childhood could be characterized as normal for a somewhat privileged youth brought up in a family with caring, highly educated parents.
Daily life in Kigali changed dramatically in 1994, when former President Habyarimana was assassinated, and the largest, most horrific genocide in modern history claimed over 800,000 victims.
Corneille managed to escape first to Kinshasa, and then to Germany, where he was adopted by friends of his parents. He stayed in Germany for three years completing his baccalaureate studies, before arriving ultimately in Montréal. Corneille enrolled in University when he landed in Montréal, but his focus was immediately diverted to music.
In Montréal at 20 years old, Corneille formed a band called O.N.E., meaning Original New Element. O.N.E. achieved modest success, thanks in part to a Ms. Jodi Richards, who supported and advised the band. When O.N.E. disbanded in 2001, Corneille again turned to Ms. Richards for advice. Ms. Richards imparted the belief that you are only an artist when you know what your art means, which became a guiding principal for Corneille.
In 2002 Corneille released his first studio album, 'Parce Qu'on Vient de Loin.' Initially, 'Parce Qu'on Vient de Loin' went for the most part unnoticed in Canada, but due in large part to promotional efforts made by Wagram, Corneille's label in France, Corneille's first album's sales skyrocketed. 'Ensemble' and 'Sans Rancunes,' were the first two hit singles from the album. Sales of 'Parce Qu'on Vient de Loin' gathered powerful momentum, but the album was still virtually unnoticed in Canada. DKD's (now DEJA Musique CEO) Janie Duquette completely re-released the album, with 'Rêves de Star' as the first single. By 2004 sales of 'Parce Qu'on Vient de Loin' on both sides of the Atlantic were booming. With sales reaching Platinum status in Canada, Corneille received his first Felix Award for Best Male Artist selected by the public at the 'Gala de la Disque' in Montréal. Meanwhile in France sales of the album reached over 500,000 copies.
In 2005 Corneille's ascent continued, as he recorded a song with Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour, in support of Unicef and the fight against AIDS. Corneille is a Red Cross Canada spokeperson, has been made a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, and continues to be active in those and other humanitarian roles.
In 2005 Corneille's second studio album, 'Les Marchands de Rêves' was released to rave critical reviews.
In 2007, Corneille earned and signed contracts with Sony Music Japan, and with UniversalMotown for the World ex-Japan (SMJI), France (Wagram) & Canada (DEJA). With these partners, as well as Universal Music Group partners in the UK and elsewhere, and with help from all of you at corneille.ca, Corneille's fanbase is becoming truly global.
On November 20, 2007, Corneille was given the award for best International Singer-songwriter by SOCAN. Look for 'The Birth of Cornelius' US' release on UniversalMOTOWN in Spring 2008. Corneille, a man of this world, and an artist whose time is now...
Wicked game
Corneille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do, yeah
And I'd never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you
And I'd never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you
No, I don't wanna fall in love
No, I don't wanna fall in love
(This girl is only gonna break your heart)
With you, ooh
What a wicked game you play to make me feel this way
What a wicked thing to do to let me dream of you
What a wicked thing to say you never felt this way
What a wicked thing to do to make me dream of you
Oh I don't wanna fall in love
(This girl is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't wanna fall in love
(This girl is only gonna break your heart)
With you, with you, with you, with you
No, I don't wanna fall in love
In Corneille's rendition of Chris Isaak's hit song "Wicked Game", the lyrics express feelings of heartbreak, longing and desire for someone who seems to be playing a wicked game with the singer's emotions. The opening lines "the world was on fire and no one could save me but you", suggests that the singer only sees this person as their savior, someone who can ease their pain and be the one they turn to for comfort. The line "It's strange what desire will make foolish people do" is an admission that the singer is aware that their actions may not be rational, but they are still driven by their desire for this person. Despite this, the lines "and I'd never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you" and "and I'd never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you" suggest that the relationship is bittersweet and came with both highs and lows.
The chorus of the song highlights the singer's reluctance to fall in love with this person, as they know that it will ultimately lead to heartbreak. The repeated line "This girl is only gonna break your heart" speaks to the singer's inner voice, urging them to be weary of the situation. However, the singer cannot help but be drawn to the person's allure and is left questioning what a wicked game the person is playing with their heart. The haunting melody of the song, accompanied by Corneille's soulful voice, further emphasizes the pain and vulnerability in the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh
A simple expression of the singer's emotions and thoughts.
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you
The singer was in despair and you were the only one who gave them hope.
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do, yeah
Desire can make even intelligent people behave foolishly.
And I'd never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you
The singer never thought that they would find someone like you in their life.
And I'd never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you
Losing someone as special as you was something the singer couldn't even imagine before it happened.
What a wicked game you play to make me feel this way
The singer believes that you're intentionally playing with their emotions and causing them pain and confusion.
What a wicked thing to do to let me dream of you
Leading the singer on and allowing them to believe there was something between you two was cruel and hurtful.
What a wicked thing to say you never felt this way
Telling the singer that you never had feelings for them was dishonest and caused them needless heartbreak.
What a wicked thing to do to make me dream of you
Just like before, leading the singer on and causing them to develop feelings for you was cruel and hurtful.
No, I don't wanna fall in love
The singer is trying to protect themselves from getting hurt and doesn't want to fall in love with you.
(This girl is only gonna break your heart)
The singer believes that you will only cause them pain and heartbreak.
With you, ooh
Despite their reservations and fears, the singer is still drawn to you.
With you, with you, with you, with you
The repetition of 'with you' emphasizes the strong hold you have on the singer and their confusion over their feelings for you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Broma 16, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chris Isaak
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind