Her first solo presentation at the Voutes des Frigo in December 2002 as well as the creation of a six title demo with Antoine Gaillet in 2003 allowed her to meet Christelle Lassort who soon joined the band. Christelle's violin and her voice brought a new harmonic impulse and strengthened the project. She also introduced Christophe Beaudriard (Bass / Double Bass) and Bertrand Perrin (Drums) to the band. They joined as well and smoothly adapted their sound to the rhythms imposed by the machines. Then, with the arrival of Antoine & Nicolas, from fellow band Narrow Terence, Etyl is finally complete.
Somewhere between organic acoustic and hypnotic machines, Etyl lays her doubts and hopes down in words and sounds. Like a question mark, Etyl's name ("Is it?"/"Is he?" in French) stands up to the questions raised in her lyrics.
For independence's sake, the album "La Tortue" was co-produced at the Microbe Studio by Julien Trimoreau and Eglantine herself for Lady Blue (her own label). However, Etyl recently signed with Recall Group and re-released her first album.
Debout
Etyl Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Elle n'est plus droite
Les allées sont plus longues
Et les routes étroites
Sans équilibre, je touche à tout
Mais l'amour-propre
Fait que je tiens debout
Quand viendra la chaleur
Est-ce que tu pourras
Supporter mes humeurs
Et mon état ?
Sans équilibre, je touche à tout
Mais l'amour-propre
Fait que je tiens debout
In "Debout" by Etyl, the song talks about the feeling of being unbalanced yet still standing strong because of self-love. The opening lyrics "Ici, la terre va plus vite, Elle n'est plus droite, Les allées sont plus longues, Et les routes étroites" describe the feeling of the world moving too quickly, being off-kilter or out of alignment, and everyday tasks feeling like daunting obstacles. The singer suggests that they are touching everything around them, reaching out for some grounding, but they are able to stay standing through their self-worth.
The chorus "Sans équilibre, je touche à tout, Mais l'amour-propre, Fait que je tiens debout" translates to "Without balance, I touch everything, But self-love Makes me stand up." The singer emphasizes the importance of self-love yet also acknowledges that it can be difficult to maintain amidst life's struggles. The final verse "Quand viendra la chaleur, Est-ce que tu pourras, Supporter mes humeurs, Et mon état?" poses the question of whether or not the person they are addressing will be able to handle their emotional state, indicating a potential relevant romantic or platonic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Ici, la terre va plus vite
The world around me is moving faster than I can keep up with.
Elle n'est plus droite
Everything appears to be crooked or off-balance.
Les allées sont plus longues
The paths I must take seem endless and difficult.
Et les routes étroites
My options are limited and the way forward is narrow.
Sans équilibre, je touche à tout
Without balance, I am unstable and constantly searching for stability.
Mais l'amour-propre
But my self-respect and dignity
Fait que je tiens debout
Allows me to continue standing despite the challenges.
Quand viendra la chaleur
When the heat of life's challenges come at me
Est-ce que tu pourras
Will you be able to support me?
Supporter mes humeurs
Can you handle my moods and emotions?
Et mon état ?
And accept me for who I am?
Sans équilibre, je touche à tout
Without balance, I am unstable and constantly searching for stability.
Mais l'amour-propre
But my self-respect and dignity
Fait que je tiens debout
Allows me to continue standing despite the challenges.
Contributed by Maria V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.