At the age of 17, he performed on stage for the first time as lead singer in a rock band. In 1983 he decided to go his own way and left the group. From then on, he concentrated on composing his own music. However, during this period he had intense artistic encounters, backstage, with artists like David Bowie, Miles Davis and, in particular, a fabulous evening with Fela Kuti.
In 1993, Julian Jacob left the south of France and settled in Paris. At this time his artistic identity affirmed itself. Inspiration pushed him to sing in a mysterious language which he found within himself; an unknown language that everybody can understand because the words only find their meaning in the emotions they carry. From then on, Julien would sing in his own language. And he addressed himself to the heart, to everybody's space of intimate peace. At the same time, he started writing books, continuing to follow an internal quest. Music and writing are, for him, two different ways to express his perception of life.
In 1995, Julien found his adoptive home in Brittany and from then on, everything accelerated. He produced a short 4-tracks CD, and then released his first full CD, "Shanti" (Warner), in 2000. Subsequently, he went on tour, around the world, for 4 years: WOMAD festivals in USA, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, UK, Spain, Gran Canarias, and Italy, as well as concerts at Montreal and in France. He also appeared as the opening act for Suzanne Vega and Cesaria Evora.
His second CD "Cotonou" (Wrasse Records) was released in 2005, followed by his third, "Barham" (Volvox Music). Roots sounds, sober arrangements, very acoustic--consisting only guitar, vocals and percussion--this album confirms his artistic identity of Julien.
Foletim
Julien Jacob Lyrics
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Inia maha lidiou dem toum
Ismael ahan foletim, foletim
Inia naha lidiou dem toum
Isman foletim, foletim
Net maha lidiou dem toum
Isman foletim, foletim
Net maha lidiou dem toum
Osmeo leom folodom, folodom
Net maha lidiou dem toum
Osmeo leom folodom, folodom
Inia maha lidiou dem toum
Isman foletim, foletim
Net maha lidiou dem toum
Isman foletim, foletim
Net maha lidiou dem tom
Ilendon, fomlé, fomletim
Nam dam palebidan
Ilendon, fomlé , fomletim
Emléo lédom polodom, polodom
Inia maha lidiou dem tom
Emléo léom polodom polodom
Inia maha lidiou dem tom
Isman foletim, foletim
Net maha lidiou dem tom
Isman foletim foletim
Net maha lidiou dem tom
Em leo lodom folodom, folodom tom
Inia maha lidiou dem tom
Emleo lodom folodom, folodom tom
Inia maha lidiou dem tom
Isnam, folétim, foletim
Net maha lidiou dem tom
Isnam folétim, alétim
Net maha lidiou dem tom
Ilendon, fomlé, fomlétim
Namdam palebidam
Ilendon, fomlé, fomlétim
Fomlé, fomlétim
Fomlé, fomlétim tom deglit temlago wakin temlagoum
Tom deglit tem lago, wakin temlagoum
Teg da lémissoum alakoum do wakin soumla
Teg da lemissoum alakoum do wakin soumla
Tom deglit tem lago wakin teumlagoum
dèg lèg débé, dèg lèg bassou laou toun din lamla
The lyrics of Julien Jacob's song "Foletim" seem to convey a sense of longing, nostalgia, and perhaps a hint of melancholy. The repetitive phrases like "Ismaël ahan foletim, foletim" and "Osmeo leom folodom, folodom" create a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes a feeling of repetition or cycle within the emotions being expressed. The singer seems to be calling out to someone named Ismaël and expressing a deep emotional connection or bond with them. The word "foletim" itself might not have a direct translation but could be a symbolic representation of a feeling or a memory.
As the verses progress, the repetition continues, suggesting a sense of yearning and a desire to hold on to a past experience or relationship. The imagery of "Ilendon, fomlé, fomletim" evokes a sense of reflection and introspection, as if the singer is reminiscing about past moments or feelings. The phrases "Emléo léom polodom, polodom" and "Em leo lodom folodom, folodom tom" further contribute to this theme of looking back on memories or emotions that have left a deep impact.
The incorporation of phrases in a different language adds an intriguing layer to the song, potentially emphasizing a sense of cultural heritage or personal connection to a particular place or tradition. The repetition of "Ilendon, fomlé, fomlétim" and the concluding lines about "deg lit tem lago wakin temlagoum" create a mysterious and almost dreamlike atmosphere, where the listener is invited to interpret the meaning behind these phrases in a more abstract manner.
Overall, "Foletim" appears to be a deeply emotive and contemplative song that explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the complex emotions tied to past experiences. The repetitive nature of the lyrics conveys a sense of emotional intensity and a desire to hold on to cherished moments or connections. The blend of languages and evocative phrases adds an enigmatic quality to the song, inviting listeners to reflect on their own personal memories and emotional landscapes.
Lyrics © PEERMUSIC FRANCE, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JULIEN PHILIPPE JACOB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind