The group made itself known in 2004 with the release of its first album, "Le Compte Complet." Critics welcomed the disc with positive reviews, which allowed the group to become instantly famous in the Québécois music scene. Several of its songs, such as "Le Métronome" and "La Valérie," were prominent mainstays on several Québec radio stations. For the production of the album, the group turned to Martin Pelland from fellow Montreal band The Dears.
In the months that followed the release of their first album, Malajube launched a tour across Québec, participating in several major festivals, such as Les FrancoFolies de Montréal.
In February 2006, the quartet released its sophomore album, Trompe-l’œil, which also received a warm welcome on the part of Québec media. Collaborations with singer Pierre Lapointe, Québecois rap group Loco Locass, and the use of a wide variety of instruments has contributed to the album's success. Trompe-l'œil also began to attract attention in English Canada in July, when it was shortlisted for the inaugural Polaris Music Prize, and in the United States in October, when it was a featured review on Pitchfork Media. In 2006, they won three Félix Award at the 28th edition of the Gala de l'ADISQ: two for Trompe-l’œil, "Best alternative album" and "Best cover art" while they were proclaimed "Revelation of the year 2006".
Their third album, Labyrinthes, was released on February 10th 2009.
Their song "Montreal -40° C" was featured in a Rogers Wireless commercial, and Ton Plat Favori was in a Zellers commercial.
Fille À Plumes
Malajube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tes yeux voient noir
Mes yeux veulent croire
Tes yeux voient noir
Mes yeux veulent voir
Tes yeux voient noir
Mes yeux veulent croire
Mais comment laisser la terre tourner sans elle?
Pieds nus dans la rue elle s'enfuyait
De nous quatre sans dire un mot
De nous quatre sans faire un plat
Elle s'enfuyait (avec mes yeux dans ses mains)
Mes yeux veulent voir
Tes yeux voient noir
Mes yeux veulent croire
Tes yeux voient noir
Mes yeux veulent voir
Tes yeux voient noir
Mes yeux veulent croire
Tes yeux voient noir
Mais comment laisser la terre tourner sans elle?
Pieds nus dans la rue elle s'enfuyait
De nous quatre sans dire un mot
De nous quatre sans faire un plat
Elle s'enfuyait (avec mes yeux dans ses mains)
The lyrics to "Fille À Plumes" by Malajube tells a story of a person who is experiencing a disconnect in a relationship, as their partner's perspective is different from theirs. The first two lines of the chorus, "Mes yeux veulent voir/Tes yeux voient noir," mean "My eyes want to see/Your eyes see black." This metaphorical phrasing highlights the difference in their perceptions and what they want from each other. The repetition of this chorus emphasises a sense of longing and frustration towards their divergence in opinion.
The second half of the lyrics focuses on the absence of the girl in question, and the perceived impact she has had on the group of four people to which the singer belongs. The lines "De nous quatre sans dire un mot/De nous quatre sans faire un plat" mean "Of us four without saying a word/Of us four without causing a fuss." This suggests that the girl is integral to the group and her sudden disappearance has left a vacuum that they are trying to fill. The singer seems desperate to find a way to make things work without her, but questions how they can let the world continue to spin without her presence.
Overall, "Fille À Plumes" explores themes such as disconnection, longing for the unattainable, and the fragility of relationships. The repeated refrains and use of vivid language make this song an emotional and memorable tribute to the complexities of human connections.
Line by Line Meaning
Mes yeux veulent voir
The singer desires to see something.
Tes yeux voient noir
The person being addressed has a negative outlook.
Mes yeux veulent croire
The singer wants to believe in something.
Tes yeux voient noir
Again, the person being addressed has a negative outlook.
Mais comment laisser la terre tourner sans elle?
The artist wonders how the world can continue without the person they are missing.
Pieds nus dans la rue elle s'enfuyait
The missing person left barefoot and quickly.
De nous quatre sans dire un mot
The missing person did not say anything to the four people they left behind.
De nous quatre sans faire un plat
The missing person left without making a big deal out of it to the four people they left behind.
Elle s'enfuyait (avec mes yeux dans ses mains)
The missing person left with something belonging to the artist, perhaps signifying the artist's loss and longing for them.
Mes yeux veulent voir
The artist still wishes to see something.
Tes yeux voient noir
The person being addressed still has a negative outlook.
Mes yeux veulent croire
The artist still wants to believe in something.
Tes yeux voient noir
Again, the person being addressed still has a negative outlook.
Mais comment laisser la terre tourner sans elle?
The singer repeats their wonder at how the world can continue without the missing person.
Pieds nus dans la rue elle s'enfuyait
The missing person's sudden departure is emphasized again.
De nous quatre sans dire un mot
Once again, the missing person left without saying anything to those left behind.
De nous quatre sans faire un plat
Again, the missing person left without making a big deal out of it.
Elle s'enfuyait (avec mes yeux dans ses mains)
The missing person's departure with something belonging to the singer is repeated, emphasizing the singer's loss and longing for them.
Contributed by Jasmine K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jema Fox
I know very little french, but I must say, I love the lyrics, rhythm, and video. All of them are magnificent.
MrArthurseven
Aucun autre groupe n'est allé aussi loin que Malajube dans les 10 dernières années ! un grand bravo... from France !
Toggle
Came here to say i STILL love this song even now
Anthony
Wow, très bon. Pas juste très bon, excellent. C,est une explosion musicale à la première écoute. 5 étoiles ha je suis le 100ième rater ^^
ratonlaveurpower
Écouter du malajube tard le soir, c'est comme manger une poire, c'est vraiment bon même si la forme est un peu étrange!!! Bref, j'adore :)
Katia C
J'adore la musique de malajube!!! Vive la Quebec!!!
Nostambience
Even if i'm french, i don't even know myself what they're saying... this band is just... crazy
0sugarmarie
Oui! la course autour de la piscine !!! Zombies Rock! En plus c'est une de mes tounes préférées!
TheMutantX109
c'est pas juste des bons jouers de hockey qu'on fait au Québec: Malajube c'est kick ass à mort!
nifty507
I don't know french!! but this band is pretty awesome!!! yay!