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.
Maman
Etyl Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maman, conte-moi encore monts et merveilles
Maman, magicienne, vieux singe immortel
Ma lune, mes oreilles, inconditionnelles
Maman, parfois, pense plus à toi
Maintenant, t'es trop là, tes enfants sont ingrats
Sacrifice et don de soi ont des limites
L'égoïsme te sauvera il est grand temps
Tu ne crois pas ?
Maman, c'est mon tour de prendre soin de toi
Puisque ton amour m'a nourrie tant de fois
Qu'est-ce que je ferais sans toi ? (x3)
Maman n'aie pas peur, tu n'es plus un poids
Dis-moi ce qui n'va pas et compte un peu sur moi !
Sacrifice et don de soi ont des limites
Tu ne crois pas ?
L'égoïsme te sauvera il est grand temps
Tu ne crois pas ?
Qu'est-ce que je ferais sans toi ? (x4)
Sacrifice et don de soi ont des limites
Tu ne crois pas ?
L'égoïsme te sauvera il est grand temps
Tu ne crois pas ?
The song "Maman" by Etyl is a heartfelt tribute to a mother's selflessness and unwavering love for her children. The lyrics express gratitude towards the mother for all her sacrifices and depict the singer's desire to repay her by taking care of her. The constant refrain of "Maman, dis-moi que j'suis la plus belle" (Mother, tell me I am the most beautiful) highlights the insecurities that people still have despite growing up, and how a mother's reassurance and love can help them overcome it.
The singer also acknowledges that the mother has limits and her children can be ungrateful at times. They urge her to think more about herself and not sacrifice everything for her children. The line "L'égoïsme te sauvera il est grand temps" (Selfishness will save you, it is high time) is a stark reminder that a mother's well-being is just as important as her children's.
Overall, the song "Maman" is a touching tribute to a mother's love and sacrifice, and serves as a reminder to appreciate and take care of her in return.
Line by Line Meaning
Maman, dis-moi que j'suis la plus belle
The singer is seeking validation and affirmation from their mother, asking her to reassure them that they are beautiful.
Maman, conte-moi encore monts et merveilles
The singer wants their mother to continue telling them fantastical stories full of wonder and adventure.
Maman, magicienne, vieux singe immortel
The singer views their mother as a magical, ageless figure who can conjure up anything they need.
Ma lune, mes oreilles, inconditionnelles
The singer identifies their mother as a constant presence in their life, always there to listen and provide comfort.
Maman, parfois, pense plus à toi
The singer recognizes that their mother sacrifices her own needs for the sake of her children and encourages her to prioritize self-care.
Maintenant, t'es trop là, tes enfants sont ingrats
The singer recognizes that they and their siblings may have taken their mother's presence and efforts for granted and expresses remorse for it.
Sacrifice et don de soi ont des limites
The singer acknowledges that there is a limit to how much one can give and sacrifice for others.
Tu ne crois pas ?
The singer poses a rhetorical question to their mother, seeking validation and agreement about the limits of sacrifice and selflessness.
L'égoïsme te sauvera il est grand temps
The singer suggests that their mother needs to prioritize her own needs and well-being, and that being a little selfish is necessary for survival.
Maman, c'est mon tour de prendre soin de toi
The singer expresses a desire to repay and take care of their mother, who has always taken care of them.
Puisque ton amour m'a nourrie tant de fois
The singer acknowledges the unconditional love and nurturing they have received from their mother in the past.
Qu'est-ce que je ferais sans toi ? (x3)
The singer expresses gratitude for their mother's presence and wonders what they would do without her.
Maman n'aie pas peur, tu n'es plus un poids
The singer reassures their mother that she is not a burden or inconvenience and encourages her to share her concerns with them.
Dis-moi ce qui n'va pas et compte un peu sur moi !
The singer urges their mother to confide in them and rely on them for support.
Qu'est-ce que je ferais sans toi ? (x4)
The singer repeats their expression of gratitude for their mother's presence and support in their life.
Sacrifice et don de soi ont des limites
The singer reiterates the idea that giving and selflessness have limits.
Tu ne crois pas ?
The singer repeats their plea for validation and agreement about the limits of sacrifice and selflessness.
L'égoïsme te sauvera il est grand temps
The singer repeats their suggestion that their mother needs to prioritize her own needs in order to survive and thrive.
Tu ne crois pas ?
The singer once again seeks validation and agreement about the importance of self-care and being a little selfish at times.
Contributed by Kylie N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.