Icône
Maryse Letarte Lyrics
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L’illusion d'un monde qui n'existe pas
D'un univers
Que toi-même tu ne soupçonnes pas
Du merveilleux
Dans ma vie de banlieue
J'ai rêvé de toi
Blottie au creux de mon lit
J'ai rêvé de toi
Tu m'as donné
Le désir de voler très tôt hors du nid
Hors de temps qui fuit
Apport merveilleux
Dans ma vie de banlieue
J'ai rêvé de toi
Blottie au creux de mon lit
J'ai rêvé de toi
Tu m'as donné
Le désir de voler très haut hors du nid
Hors du temps qui suit
Maryse Letarte's song "Icône" unfolds a deeply introspective narrative that juxtaposes the mundane reality of suburban life with the profound aspirations inspired by another person. The opening lines reveal an initial sense of disillusionment; the singer speaks of receiving "the illusion of a world that does not exist,” suggesting that their partner has introduced a vision of possibilities, fantasies, and dreams that starkly contrast with their everyday existence. This otherworldly influence is underscored by the observation that this imagined universe may be one that the partner is unaware of, highlighting an asymmetrical dynamic where the singer projects their own dreams onto someone who perhaps is not conscious of their significance. This dissonance becomes a poignant statement about how individuals can be vessels of inspiration and longing for each other, even when they might not fully recognize the weight of their impact.
As the song progresses, the theme of wonder amid the ordinary is brought to the forefront. The phrase "Du merveilleux dans ma vie de banlieue" captures the essence of the singer's experience — the infusion of beauty and magic into a seemingly mundane suburban life. This contrast serves to emphasize the power of love or admiration to transform one’s perception, suggesting that even in the most unremarkable settings, the right connections can catalyze profound emotional experiences. The repetitions of "J'ai rêvé de toi, blottie au creux de mon lit" evoke intimacy and longing, reinforcing the idea that dreams of this idealized relationship provide comfort and solace. The imagery of a loved one nestled beside the singer conjures a sense of safety, warmth, and deep emotional connection, elevating the mundane nights into an extraordinary tapestry of longing and inspiration.
The song also delves into themes of ambition and the desire for growth. The lines conveying “le désir de voler très haut hors du nid” suggest a yearning to escape the limitations of one’s environment. This metaphor of a bird leaving the nest resonates deeply with the universal experience of seeking independence and personal fulfillment, echoed by the phrase "Hors de temps qui fuit.” Here, time becomes a catalyst for urgency — the desire to break free from stagnation and find one's own identity. The singer’s aspirations are ignited by the presence of this inspiring figure, who awakens within them the drive to transcend their existing boundaries and explore their own potential. The duality of being tethered to one’s origins while simultaneously striving to reach for something greater becomes a central theme in this song.
Finally, Letarte's lyrics encapsulate a cycle of dreaming, longing, and the transformative power of love. The recurring motif of dreaming of this ‘icône’ not only emphasizes a sense of fixation but also reflects how individuals can become symbols of hope and desire. While the partner may not be aware of their role as a muse, their very existence instigates a profound emotional journey for the singer. The quest to find the “merveilleux” within the constraints of everyday life ultimately serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. In savouring the richness of emotions aroused by love or admiration, the singer beautifully illustrates the remarkable journey of transformation, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary through the lens of connection, yearning, and aspiration for something more fulfilling beyond their current circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Tu m'as donné
You have bestowed upon me
L’illusion d'un monde qui n'existe pas
The illusion of a reality that is merely a fantasy
D'un univers
Of a realm
Que toi-même tu ne soupçonnes pas
That you yourself are unaware of
Du merveilleux
Of the extraordinary
Dans ma vie de banlieue
In my suburban existence
J'ai rêvé de toi
I have envisioned you
Blottie au creux de mon lit
Nestled in the warmth of my bed
J'ai rêvé de toi
I have dreamt of you
Tu m'as donné
You have given me
Le désir de voler très tôt hors du nid
The longing to soar away from the nest at an early age
Hors de temps qui fuit
Beyond the fleeting nature of time
Apport merveilleux
A wondrous presence
Dans ma vie de banlieue
In my life in the suburbs
J'ai rêvé de toi
I have envisioned you
Blottie au creux de mon lit
Nestled in the warmth of my bed
J'ai rêvé de toi
I have dreamt of you
Tu m'as donné
You have bestowed upon me
Le désir de voler très haut hors du nid
The yearning to fly high away from the nest
Hors du temps qui suit
Outside the flow of time that follows
Lyrics © Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), Évangeline/APEM
Written by: MARYSE LETARTE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind