Produced by Saint E… Read Full Bio ↴Written by Bob Stanley, Pete Wiggs & Sarah Cracknell
Produced by Saint Etienne & Ian Catt
Released June 2005 on Tales from Turnpike House (track 1 of the bonus disc Up the Wooden Hills)
Notes The song's lyrics count from 1 to 10 in English (1st verse), French (2nd verse) and Spanish (3rd verse). Backing vocal arrangement by Anthony Rivers
You Can Count On Me
Saint Etienne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten!
Oh, you can count on me
Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq
Six, sept, huit, neuf, dix!
Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco
Seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez!
Oh, you can count on me
The repetition of numbers in Saint Etienne's "You Can Count on Me" may at first seem like a simple counting exercise. However, when combined with the lyrics "Oh, you can count on me," it takes on a deeper meaning. Through the repetition, the band is asserting their dependability and loyalty to their loved ones. The use of different languages - French and Spanish - further emphasizes the idea that they can be relied upon by people of different backgrounds and cultures.
The song can also be interpreted as a love song, with the lyrics implying that the singer's love interest can count on them for anything. The numbers, in this context, could be seen as symbols of the singer's devotion, with each number representing a different aspect of their love such as loyalty, trust, and support.
Furthermore, the repetitive nature of the lyrics creates a catchy and memorable chorus that encourages sing-alongs and audience participation. As a whole, the song is a testament to the power of repetition in music and lyrics, and how it can be used to convey deeper meanings and emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two, three, four, five
I promise to be there for you consistently, just like the steady count of numbers from one to five.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten!
I promise to be there for you always, just like the unchanging count of numbers from six to ten.
Oh, you can count on me
I am reliable and dependable, and I will always be there for you when you need me.
Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq
I am dependable just like how the steady count of numbers in French from one to five.
Six, sept, huit, neuf, dix!
I am always there for you, just like the constant count of numbers in French from six to ten.
Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco
My commitment to you is as steady as the unwavering count of numbers in Spanish from one to five.
Seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez!
My loyalty to you is constant, just like the undeviating count of numbers in Spanish from six to ten.
Oh, you can count on me
My trustworthiness is unwavering, and you can always rely on me to be there for you.
Contributed by Sebastian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Keith Jones
One of the most overlooked groups in British music history. They produced some of the most perfect songs and were the soundtrack of the 90s, as much as Blur, Oasis, Pulp, The Verve etc. Sarah Cracknell is a goddess!
Foxbase Alpha
My desert island band.
Kyach Distent
Those things you list chalk up a nauseatingly bad decade if that was truth, and it was only some of it. You left out all the equally disgusting manufactured barbie boy and girlbands, howling harridan females trying to be 'serious' like Dion, Crow, Carey, and shit soul knock-offs and rap. That was virtually all the 90s-and dumb dance crap with no words. Only a few acts were standout and worth it, but the 80s were long gone and boy did the wretched 90s prove it. In fact, even worse followed them-right up to what we got now-AND most of that 90s shit is STILL here!
ROJ AKTAR
They were on a par with Pulp music wise. Just like Pulp they weren't exactly typical britpop but more indie disco
ahmet musluoğlu
I agree all of it.
Kyach Distent
@KENKENNIFF When wasn't it?! Please, the best 80s acts had the same problem, among others!
Shadowplay
For me Saint Etienne are one of the most baffling cases ever. I remember in 92, when they came up, they had great tunes with huge commercial appeal, glowing reviews, a charismatic and gorgeous singer, could be as camp as Pulp, as pop as the Pet Shop Boys, as exquisite as the Auteurs; released great solid albums with no weak songs, had a world of their own with a so enticing retro chic, but somehow they never got the success they deserved. Sure they were popular, but never really "made it". It's so unfair when you see some of the C-rate indie and Britpop derivatives that were charting really big at the time.
El Indio
+Shadowplay I'd say James have more of a case than Saint Etienne
Steve Walby
@Android Pitanga Always the race angle....
Android Pitanga
They were a bit twee and ...white for broader appeal. Dig them though