Voiture 3
Elisa Tovati Lyrics


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Apollinaire
Fait croire qu'il s'appelait Holimer
Matahari
Qu'elle est née ici en bohème
Marléne Dietrich
Qu'elle aimait bien Lili Marleen
Et moi je compte les fantômes
Qui vont et qui viennent
Dans la cabine au numéro 23
De l'orient Express
Voiture 3
Dans la cabine au numéro 23




De l'orient Express
Voiture 3

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Elisa Tovati's song "Voiture 3" are complex and layered, using famous names from history and pop culture to convey a sense of mystery and intrigue. The first few lines reference Apollinaire, a famous French poet who often used pseudonyms in his work. Tovati suggests that he pretended to be someone called Holimer, which adds to the sense of disguise and deception in the song.


The next line mentions Matahari, a legendary Dutch spy who was executed during World War I. Tovati suggests that she was born in Bohemia, a region in the Czech Republic known for its history of magic and mystery. This connection to the supernatural adds to the overall sense of mystique in the song.


The next reference is to Marlene Dietrich, a German actress and singer who became famous for her roles in Hollywood films during the 1930s and 40s. Tovati suggests that Dietrich liked a song called "Lili Marlene," which is a well-known German folk song. This adds to the idea of the past and nostalgia, as "Lili Marlene" was a popular song during World War II.


The final lines of the verse reveal that Tovati is counting ghosts in a train cabin, which creates a sense of unease and mystery. The chorus reinforces this feeling, as Tovati sings about the ghosts that come and go in cabin 23 on the Orient Express, in car number 3. The repetition of these details throughout the song creates a sense of foreboding and tension, as if something sinister is about to happen.


Line by Line Meaning

Apollinaire
Referring to Guillaume Apollinaire, a French poet, writer and art critic known for his experimental style.


Fait croire qu'il s'appelait Holimer
Implies that he pretended his name was Holimer for his own reasons or artistic expression.


Matahari
Referring to Mata Hari, a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of spying for Germany during World War I and executed by firing squad.


Qu'elle est née ici en bohème
Suggests that Mata Hari was born in a bohemian environment, characterized by unconventional lifestyles, artistic pursuits and political radicalism.


Marléne Dietrich
Referring to Marlene Dietrich, a German-American actress and singer who was famous for her androgynous style, erotic glamour and outspoken politics.


Qu'elle aimait bien Lili Marleen
Implies that Marlene Dietrich had a fondness for the song 'Lili Marleen', a German love song that became popular during World War II and was sung by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.


Et moi je compte les fantômes
Suggests that the singer is preoccupied with the idea of ghosts, either literally or metaphorically, and is keeping a tally of them.


Qui vont et qui viennent
Referring to the ghosts that the artist is counting, suggesting that they are transient and unpredictable.


Dans la cabine au numéro 23
Referring to a specific location, namely cabin number 23 in a train, presumably the Orient Express.


De l'orient Express
Referring to a famous luxury train that used to run between Paris and Istanbul, known for its opulent decor, gourmet cuisine and glamorous passengers.


Voiture 3
Indicating that this cabin is located in the third-class carriage, which may suggest a more humble or less luxurious setting than the other cabins.


Dans la cabine au numéro 23
Repeating the previous line to emphasize the specificity of the location and create a sense of intimacy or claustrophobia.


De l'orient Express
Repeating the previous line to reinforce the image of a prestigious train and exotic destination.


Voiture 3
Repeating the previous line to create a refrain or a sense of repetition, perhaps echoing the cyclical nature of memory, desire or regret.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, ABACABA EDITIONS, LES EDITIONS DU MIEL, LEO AND CO
Written by: BERTRAND NOEL ROBERT SOULIER, CHARLES MATHIEU SOUCHON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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