1) French rock band
Kaolin is a french rock band, with various musical influences but french lyrics. Their music style can be sometimes quite similar to post-rock and at other times a rageful power pop, always underlined by a fine melodic talent, which protects the band from a hasty and simplistic categorization.
Originating in Montlucon, they remain attached to their native Auvergne region and continue to rehearse in this city. Throughout their young career (2 EPs self-produced and 2 LPs), they were lucky to collaborate with Valentins, Paul Corkett (The Cure, Placebo) and Dave Fridmann (Mogwai, Flaming Lips, Weezer...).
Their new album is mainly sung in french, and contains a song inspired by "I want you" by Bob Dylan called "Partons vite", which is now a hit in France.
2) South African singer
The song "Stranger" is from the South African singer Kaolin Thompson.
Devant Ce Site
Kaolin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Devant, ce site,
Avant,
Avant, je cite.
Devant ces idéaux,
Qu'on a vécus ensemble,
Avant ces aléas,
Je vote aujourd'hui.
A la chaîne,
N'emportant que mes peines,
J'ai porté sa vie,
A la chaîne,
Me donnant en mécène,
J'ai donnée ma vie.
Avant,
Mes mains ont dû porter,
Devant tes ordres déplacés,
Avant, je cite,
Tu n'es que l'ouvrier.
Devant, ce site,
Tu n'as qu'à militer.
Je vote, aujourd'hui.
Je vote, blanc aussi.
A la chaîne,
N'emportant que mes peines.
J'ai porté sa vie.
A la chaîne,
Me donnant en mécène,
J'ai donné ma vie.
(Merci à go0on pour cettes paroles)
The first few lines of Kaolin's "Devant Ce Site" describe the singer's position in front of a specific place or situation. The repetition of "devant" (in front of) and "avant" (before) highlights the importance of being present and acknowledging the past. The following lines suggest that the group the singer was part of had shared values and ideals, but also experienced setbacks together. Despite this, the singer declares their intention to continue voting in the future.
The chorus describes the singer's experiences working on a chain, carrying someone else's burden and giving their life as a sponsor. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for systematic oppression and exploitation, with the singer being a victim of these larger societal structures. The final lines of the chorus repeat the idea of giving one's life, suggesting a sense of sacrifice or martyrdom.
The next verse expresses resentment towards an authority figure ("tu n'es que l'ouvrier" - "you are just a worker") and implies that the singer has been forced to comply with orders that they disagree with. Despite this, the chorus repeats the themes of working hard and giving oneself to a cause.
Overall, "Devant Ce Site" is a song about perseverance in the face of adversity and the ongoing struggle for justice.
Line by Line Meaning
Devant,
Before us,
Devant, ce site,
Before this place,
Avant,
Prior to,
Avant, je cite.
Before, I quote.
Devant ces idéaux,
Before these ideals,
Qu'on a vécus ensemble,
That we lived together,
Avant ces aléas,
Prior to these setbacks,
Qu'on a permis ensemble.
That we allowed together.
Je vote aujourd'hui.
I vote today.
A la chaîne,
On the assembly line,
N'emportant que mes peines,
Taking only my sorrows,
J'ai porté sa vie,
I carried his life,
A la chaîne,
On the assembly line,
Me donnant en mécène,
Giving myself as a patron,
J'ai donnée ma vie.
I gave my life.
Avant,
Prior to,
Mes mains ont dû porter,
My hands had to carry,
Devant tes ordres déplacés,
Before your misguided orders,
Avant, je cite,
Before, I quote,
Tu n'es que l'ouvrier.
You are nothing but a worker.
Devant, ce site,
Before this place,
Tu n'as qu'à militer.
You only have to fight.
Je vote, aujourd'hui.
I vote today.
Je vote, blanc aussi.
I also vote blank.
A la chaîne,
On the assembly line,
N'emportant que mes peines.
Taking only my sorrows.
J'ai porté sa vie.
I carried his life.
A la chaîne,
On the assembly line,
Me donnant en mécène,
Giving myself as a patron,
J'ai donné ma vie.
I gave my life.
Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.