One of MC Solaar's first claims to fame was the rap he did on a level one French language education tape: "Comment t'appelles-tu?".
MC Solaar's first single, Bouge de là, was a French hit in 1990 that went platinum, as was his first album, Qui Sème le Vent Récolte le Tempo. His second album, Prose Combat, may be his most acclaimed.
As a rapper MC Solaar is known for the complexity and poetry of his songs, which rely on wordplay, lyricism, and philosophical inquiry. The music is based on dance rhythms and sensual grooves. In the English-speaking world, Solaar was signed by London acid jazz label Talkin' Loud and invited to record with British group Urban Species and Guru, a member of the famous and highly-acclaimed New York group Gang Starr.
MC Solaar gained new fans in North America in early 2004, when his 2001 song La Belle Et Le Bad Boy was featured on the final episode of the popular television series Sex and the City. MC Solaar remains best-known outside of France for his work on Guru's Jazzmatazz project and as a guest rapper on the Missy Elliott track All N My Grill. Out of Guru and Solaar's collaboration, the single Le Bien, Le Mal (The Good, The Bad) was a popular Hip Hop/Dance crossover hit receiving playtime on MTV.
Marche ou rêve
MC Solaar Lyrics
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La gente féminine bronze et fait du sport
Le soldat Kim in Song sing et joue au ping pong
Avec Yang Ming du MEDEF de la ville de Pyang Yang
Un enfant se balade comme l'alinéa
Il est de Bamako Tréville ou Shibuya
C'est un enfant du monde, du Vésuve ou d'Ouvéa
Tanné par le soleil et pas les UVA.
Ecoute les conseils des sages qui disent au Nord le Sud.
Il marche et vagabonde dans des contes d'Andersen
Se rêve a Copenhague dans les bras de Nina Hagen
Marche ou rêve, rêve, rêve
Marche ou rêve, rêve et rêve
Marche ou rêve, forever, rêve forever
Rêve forever, rêve forever
Marche ou rêve, rêve, rêve, rêve
Les vitrines d'Amsterdam exposent des œuvres d'art
Le gosse devient l'abeille qui regarde son dard
Il porte Dr Martens comme Eudeline le punk
Roule, colle et puis fume chronique Hyia et skunk
Puis il fait du surplace tout en déambulant
Marche à contresens sur des tapis roulants
Il moonwalk en pensant aller de l'avant
Puis s'assoit à l'envers sur un tapis volant
Près des plages magnifiques de la Corée du Nord
La junte militaire ne fait pas que du sport
Et ce sont des vraies balles, pas des balles de ping pong
Pyon Yang fait autre chose que du bikini et bombes blondes
Marche ou crêve, ou rêve, forever
Marche ou rêve, rêve rêveur
Marche ou rêve, forever, rêve forever
Rêve forever, rêve forever
Marche ou rêve, rêve, rêve, rêve
Sur les plages magnifiques de la Corée du Nord
Près des plages magnifiques de la Corée du Sud
The lyrics of MC Solaar's song "Marche ou rêve" evoke a complex and vivid imagery that invites listeners to reflect on the diverse experiences and contrasts present in the world. The opening lines describe the beautiful beaches of North Korea, where women sunbathe and engage in sports, while juxtaposing this scene with a soldier playing ping pong with a representative from a business organization. This contrast highlights the coexistence of leisure and militarism in the same space, suggesting a deeper critique on societal values and power dynamics.
The mention of a child wandering through different locations such as Bamako, Tréville, and Shibuya, symbolizes the universal nature of childhood innocence and curiosity, regardless of geographical boundaries. The child is depicted as a global citizen, exposed to different cultures and environments, yet retaining a sense of self and resilience against external influences. The reference to being "tanned by the sun and not by UVA" may allude to facing challenges directly rather than through artificial means, emphasizing authenticity and integrity.
As the child navigates through various adventures and encounters, the lyrics emphasize the importance of both action and imagination. The imagery of defying flames and seeking wisdom from sages who guide from North to South symbolizes a quest for knowledge and spiritual growth. The dream-like references to fairy tales and the longing for distant places like Copenhagen suggest a yearning for transcendence and a desire for connection beyond physical borders.
The second verse continues the theme of contrasts and paradoxes, portraying the child as both a passive observer and an active participant in the world. The mention of Amsterdam's art galleries and the child becoming a bee observing its own sting reflect themes of self-awareness and transformation. The lyrics blend elements of rebellion, with the mention of Dr. Martens and punk culture, with moments of introspection, as the child moves in opposing directions and contemplates the concept of progress. The juxtaposition of military junta and idyllic beaches in North Korea further underscores the complexity of the world and the dualities present within society.
Overall, "Marche ou rêve" conveys a message of resilience, exploration, and the power of imagination in navigating the complexities of life. The imagery of walking or dreaming encapsulates the idea of persevering through challenges while retaining a sense of wonder and possibilities. The song invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys, dreams, and choices, reminding us of the richness and diversity of experiences that shape our perceptions of the world.
Lyrics © RAOUL BRETON EDITIONS, SENTINEL SUD, UN WEEK END A WALDEN, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: FIRE TOM, MC SOLAAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind