Tellier's first album, L'incroyable Vérité (The Incredible Truth), was released in 2001. Tellier went on tour with Air in support of the album. The track " Fantino" off the album was chosen by Sofia Coppola for the soundtrack to her 2003 film "Lost in Translation". Tellier followed L'incroyable Vérité with his second studio album Politics (2005). A particularly popular song from Politics was "La Ritournelle", a string-led tune, which featured Nigerian drummer, Tony Allen of Fela Kuti fame. "La Ritournelle" was remixed by various artists, notably in Britain by Metronomy.
Since the release of Politics, Tellier has also recorded an acoustic album of his more popular songs, Sessions (2006). The album was repackaged for the British market as Universe (2006), to include both highlights from the French CD, as well as compositions from Tellier's score for the film Narco.
His third studio album Sexuality was produced by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk. Like his previous album Politics, Tellier used a single term as title and theme of the album.
On 7 March 2008, it was announced by Bruno Berberes, head of EBU delegation in France, that Tellier would represent France in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008. It was held in Belgrade on 24 May 2008. Tellier sang "Divine". This was the first time in the history of the contest that the nominated French entry was to be performed largely in English, which caused controversy, leading to Tellier pledging to increase the amount of French in the song prior to the competition itself.
Against The Law
Sébastien Tellier Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everywhere and everynight
See my hands take off my soul
Giant guest, if you don't like
Just let me go
Overland and oversize
Evidence, volcano shines
All the kings come in to shine
Everywhere Poseidon's light
And lead the river to your falls
Octopuses on the ground
The place is gone
Olympic Flame in your eyes
Overseas, volcano shines
Golden ladies want to shine (BIS)
Everywhere and everynight (BIS)
Golden ladies want to shine (BIS)
Everywhere Poseidon's light (BIS)
Golden ladies want to shine (x4)
The lyrics of Sébastien Tellier's song "Against The Law" can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible interpretation is related to the desire for recognition and fame in contemporary culture. The golden ladies represent this desire, as they want to shine everywhere and every night, suggesting a constant need for attention and admiration. The singer, in turn, seems to struggle with the pressure of conforming to the expectations of this culture, represented by the giant guest who can't appreciate his soul, and the evidence of the volcano, which could be seen as a symbol of destruction or creativity, depending on the perspective.
The lyrics also evoke a sense of mystery and exoticism, with references to Poseidon's light, overseas, and the Olympic flame. These elements could be interpreted as allusions to ancient mythologies or to the cultural diversity of contemporary society. However, the message seems to be ambivalent since the singer is torn between the desire to belong and the need to break free. The repetition of the chorus, where the golden ladies want to shine everywhere, implies a sense of inevitability, but at the same time, the multiple references to volcanoes and falling suggest a potential crisis, either personal or social.
Line by Line Meaning
Golden ladies want to shine
Women desire to stand out and make an impression, with a focus on material wealth and status.
Everywhere and everynight
This desire permeates all aspects of life, regardless of time or place.
See my hands take off my soul
By using his hands to create art, the artist removes a piece of his soul from within himself.
Giant guest, if you don't like
If the listener does not connect with the music, the artist invites them to leave.
Just let me go
Allow the artist to create freely without the constraints of others' expectations.
Overland and oversize
Describing something on a grand scale, with size not being a constraint.
Evidence, volcano shines
There is a clear indication that the artist is capable of great creativity and passion.
All the kings come in to shine
People in positions of power also desire to attract attention and be seen as important.
Everywhere Poseidon's light
This desire for attention is often tied to wealth and status, with money being seen as a powerful force like the Greek God Poseidon.
And lead the river to your falls
These figures use their power and resources to control others and benefit themselves.
Octopuses on the ground
Powerful people manipulate others and control their surroundings in a way that is sometimes underhanded.
The place is gone
The world is changing and people and places from the past are disappearing.
Olympic Flame in your eyes
The passion and drive of an Olympic athlete is reflected in the eyes of those chasing success.
Overseas, volcano shines
Success and wealth can be found in far-off places, much like a powerful and awe-inspiring volcano.
Golden ladies want to shine (BIS)
Repeating the desires of women to be seen as important and wealthy.
Everywhere Poseidon's light (BIS)
Repeating the idea that money and power are seen as all-consuming forces.
Golden ladies want to shine (BIS)
Repeating the focus on women and their desire for wealth and status.
Everywhere Poseidon's light (BIS)
Repeating this metaphor for wealth and power.
Golden ladies want to shine (x4)
Repeating the central idea that women desire to be seen as important and wealthy.
Contributed by Samantha F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
M B
Un chef d’œuvre qui ne fait que 26103 vues. Je me sens à moitié seul et à moitié privilégié, Sébastien...
Marc T.
Seulement 6 commentaires sous ce morceau exceptionnel où l'on côtoie le génie à chaque bout d'arrangement ? Je reste ébaubi ! J'ai découvert Tellier avec cet album, j'ai adhéré de suite !
XDennis
Master piece 🔥
Jean-Charles
On sent qu'il a écouté l'album de Carpenter Brut avant, mais avec la touche Tellier c'est vraiment génial.
HappyCheperMan
Majestueux, puissant.
Transcommunication Instrumentale France
Un type fou...Trop rare !
FuZZy 5555
wow j'adore
Marion POLGE
Sae
Attanpon Phanlert
ชอบมากๆ
Axel Mansani
Oui, the Win, Needs a no, to win, against the law!