MINIZZA is a French duo (Franck Marguin and Geoffroy Montel). Their music r… Read Full Bio ↴MINIZZA is a French duo (Franck Marguin and Geoffroy Montel). Their music ranges from electronica to pop to musique concrete.

Their first productions were remixes for Röyksopp (Poor Leno), ERIK ARNAUD (Je vis à 50%), though unreleased at that time.

While working on their first album, they met ERLEND ØYE, half of the acoustic duo KINGS OF CONVENIENCE, who kindly asked them to participate on his first electro solo album, Unrest (Source), his first single, Sudden Rush (Source), and he also included their Winning a battle, losing the war cover on his acclaimed DJ KICKS (!K7).

They have also been working with the French electronica scene : sound designer and contemporary artist RAINIER LERICOLAIS asked them to do a remix for the reissue of his Courrier Electronique album (Optical Sound), and they also worked with French crooner THAT SUMMER on his last two albums, Home is where the studio is (Cube) and Clear (Talitres).

Music for girls, their first album, is a crossover between pop, industrial, cold-wave, musique concrete, as well as bossa nova, funk and rock (!).
It may sounds odd until you see the guests in this debut album : EDWARD KA-SPEL, the charismatic leader of THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS; french rocker ERIK ARNAUD (Labels France); sound designer ROEL MEELKOP (GOEM, KAPOTTE MUZIEK); DANIEL PALOMO VINUESA(Collectif Serendipity, Signatures / Radio France).

Selected discography

- The Athlete on Erlend Øye’s album Unrest (Source / 2003)
- Sudden Rush par Minizza on the E.P. Sudden Rush by Erlend Øye (Source / 2003)
- Winning a battle, losing the war, on Erlend Øye's DJ Kicks (!K7 / 2004) - amongst other collaborators: Phoenix, Cornelius, The Rapture, Morgan Geist, Royksopp, etc.
- Alter Ego on re: Courrier Electronique by Rainier Lericolais (Optical Sound / 2005)
- Music for girls (Brocoli / 2005)

Winning a Battle Losing the War
Minizza Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Even though I'll never need her,
even though she's only giving me pain,
I'll be on my knees to feed her,
spend a day to make her smile again
Even though I'll never need her,
even though she's only giving me pain
As the world is soft around her,
leaving me with nothing to disdain.

Even though I'm not her minder,
even though she doesn't want me around,
I am on my feet to find her,
to make sure that she is safe and sound.
Even though I'm not her minder,
even though she doesn't want me around,
I am on my feet to find her,
to make sure that she is safe from harm.

The sun sets on the war,
the day breaks and everything is new...

Overall Meaning

In this song, Minizza talks about a one-sided relationship where he knows he doesn't need the other person but still feels drawn towards them. He talks about how she only gives him pain but he still goes to great lengths to make her happy and bring a smile to her face. It is almost as if he is willing to worship her and live in misery just to see her happy. Similarly, he is not her minder or protector but still feels the need to ensure her safety.

The lyrics speak to the idea of unrequited love, where one person is willing to go to great lengths for the other, even if it causes them pain. It is a sad reality where one person is completely invested in a relationship, while the other is indifferent or even unaware of their feelings. The dichotomy between the singer's willingness to do anything for this person and their lack of need for him is a painful reminder of this mismatch.

Musically, the song is a blend of indie rock and pop rock, with a steady drumbeat and catchy guitar riffs. The lyrics are emotive and introspective, drawing on ideas of longing, vulnerability, and heartbreak. The song's chorus is particularly memorable, with the repetition of "winning a battle, losing the war" underscoring the idea of putting up a fight in a relationship that is ultimately doomed.

Line by Line Meaning

Even though I'll never need her,
Despite not requiring her presence

even though she's only giving me pain,
Although the relationship brings discomfort

I'll be on my knees to feed her,
I'm willing to submit to her needs

spend a day to make her smile again
Dedicate time to bring joy to her life

As the world is soft around her,
Her environment appears gentle and pleasing

leaving me with nothing to disdain.
Causing me to have no negative feelings towards her surroundings

Even though I'm not her minder,
Despite not being responsible for her well-being

even though she doesn't want me around,
Although she shows no interest in my presence

I am on my feet to find her,
I will be actively looking for her

to make sure that she is safe and sound.
Ensuring that she is free from danger and secure

The sun sets on the war,
The battle is now over