1) A Canadian musician … Read Full Bio ↴There are two acts under the name Ian Kelly:
1) A Canadian musician from Montreal, Quebec.
2) An American rapper from Oakland, CA, signed to producer 9th Wonder's Jamla imprint. He released his debut project Champian in 2018, followed by Kellz is Dead in January 2021.
Triste
Ian Kelly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I smiled and acted happy as I wondered
You seemed glad, I changed color
Where were you forever, you’ve always said never
I love you
Je n’y peux rien si tu es triste
Je ne peux acheter la joie
Ne sois pas comme moi
I feel lost, I’m tired
You wanted to breathe but I came here to squeeze you
I’m bitter
A circle, the same friends
It’s getting normal but still a bit awkward, it depends
It’s an old show where everyone is laying low and you hold your breath and a cigarette, a cigarette and a stinger shot and the rattle and shine of your bracelets
It’s an old show where everyone is laying low and you hold your breath and a cigarette, a cigarette and a stinger shot and the rattle and shine of your bracelets
Je n’y peux rien si tu es triste
Je ne peux acheter la joie
Mais ne sois pas si pessimiste, ne sois pas comme moi
Je n’y peux rien si tu es triste
Je ne peux acheter la joie
Mais ne sois pas si pessimiste, ne sois pas comme moi
A light touch, an old flame
Don’t talk much, we’re the same
The song Triste by Ian Kelly is about the aftermath of a breakup and the mixed emotions that come with it. In the first verse, the singer is at a gathering with his ex-partner and although he puts on a facade of happiness, he is still hurt and confused about the situation. The chorus, sung in French, translates to "I can't help it if you're sad, I can't buy joy, but don't be so pessimistic, don't be like me." This line emphasizes the fact that even though the singer cannot fix his ex-partner's sadness, he still cares about their wellbeing and wants them to heal.
In the second verse, the singer reflects on how he feels lost and tired and that his presence in the relationship may have suffocated his partner. He also acknowledges his bitterness towards the situation and how things are still awkward between them even though they share the same circle of friends. The chorus is repeated twice more, emphasizing the singer's inability to fix his partner's sadness.
The repetition of the line "It’s an old show where everyone is laying low and you hold your breath and a cigarette, a cigarette and a stinger shot and the rattle and shine of your bracelets" adds to the melancholic and introspective mood of the song. It creates a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past when things were simpler, even though they may not have been perfect. The last verse brings closure to the song, with the singer acknowledging that although there may have been an old flame between them, they are still the same people who don't talk much.
Overall, Triste is a poignant and introspective song that captures the complex emotions of a breakup and the longing for what once was. It also emphasizes the importance of empathy and caring for others even when we cannot fix their problems.
Line by Line Meaning
I came here, we’re over
I arrived and realized our relationship has ended.
I smiled and acted happy as I wondered
Even though my thoughts were consumed with worry and doubts, I put on a brave face and pretended everything was okay.
You seemed glad, I changed color
Your mood was content and joyful, while my demeanor turned pale and visibly unsettled.
Where were you forever, you’ve always said never
In the past, you claimed that we could never be together, but now you have changed your mind and I feel confused.
I love you
I still have strong feelings for you, despite our current situation.
Je n’y peux rien si tu es triste
I can't do anything if you're sad.
Je ne peux acheter la joie
I can't buy happiness.
Mais ne sois pas si pessimiste
But don't be so negative.
Ne sois pas comme moi
Don't be like me.
I feel lost, I’m tired
I'm feeling confused and exhausted.
You wanted to breathe but I came here to squeeze you
You needed space and freedom, but I was suffocating you and holding you back.
I’m bitter
I'm resentful and angry about how things have turned out.
A circle, the same friends
We are still surrounded by the same group of people we have always known.
It’s getting normal but still a bit awkward, it depends
Our interactions are becoming more commonplace, but they can still be uncomfortable or uncertain at times.
It’s an old show where everyone is laying low and you hold your breath and a cigarette, a cigarette and a stinger shot and the rattle and shine of your bracelets
It feels like we're stuck in a scene that replays over and over again, where everyone is subdued and cautious, and you nervously hold a cigarette and your jewelry clinks together.
A light touch, an old flame
Our connection is tenuous, yet it still flickers with a familiar passion.
Don’t talk much, we’re the same
We don't communicate much, but we share a mutual understanding and familiarity.
Lyrics © White Turtle Publishing, Évangeline/APEM
Written by: Ian Kelly Couture
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind