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.
Tournez tournez
Kaolin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Des regards tout froids "tu vois"
Des rues en désarroi
Attendant de vivre
Regarde comment tout ça
Se gère très mal sans toi
Regarde surtout en bas
Tournez tournez
Maintenant
Important équilibre
Tournez tournez
Maintenant
L'important est audible
The lyrics to Kaolin's "Tournez tournez" convey a sense of observation and commentary on society, as seen through the eyes of the singer. The opening lines describe a world that seems distant and cold, with people going about their lives in a state of confusion and uncertainty. The streets themselves seem to reflect this chaos, as if they too are waiting for something to happen.
As the song progresses, the singer speaks directly to someone who is absent, someone who might have made a difference in this world. The emphasis here is on the idea that the world is not doing well without this person, and that things could be better if they were still around.
The chorus of the song is a call to action, an urging for the world to keep turning, to find some kind of balance, and to make sense of the chaos. The final line, "L'important est audible," suggests that there is some underlying order to the world, if only we can tune in to it and listen closely.
Overall, the lyrics to "Tournez tournez" are poetic and evocative, drawing on imagery that suggests a world in flux and in need of guidance.
Line by Line Meaning
Regarde comment tout va
Observe the current state of affairs
Des regards tout froids "tu vois"
People's expressions appear indifferent and lacking emotion, if you notice
Des rues en désarroi
The streets seem disordered and chaotic
Attendant de vivre
Awaiting a chance to truly live
Regarde comment tout ça
Take a closer look at the entire situation
Se gère très mal sans toi
It's not being handled very well in your absence
Regarde surtout en bas
Make sure to pay attention to the less obvious details
Ils attendent de vivre encore
They are still waiting for a chance to truly live their lives
Tournez tournez
Turn, turn
Maintenant
Now
Important équilibre
A delicate balance that must be maintained
Tournez tournez
Turn, turn
Maintenant
Now
L'important est audible
What's truly important is something that can be heard
Contributed by Madelyn R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.