All the Same
Vieux Farka Touré Lyrics


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ils sont tous les mêmes.
– Je dis de les regarder, je dis qu'ils sont tous les mêmes.
– Ils te voient en te flattant et font semblant de t'aimer.
– Je dis de les regarder, je dis qu'ils sont tous les mêmes.
– Ils sautent et crient faire semblant de t'aimer, je le dis
– ils te voient et vont chez toi en famille et sortent de chez toi au milieu du jour.
– Je dis de les regarder, je dis qu'ils sont tous les mêmes.
– On doit imiter Niafunkén je dis soko sondou Mayo (surnom de niafunké).
– Je dis de les regarder, je dis qu'ils sont tous les mêmes.
– Tenons à nous suivre dans un ensemble et crayons une bonne eentente entre nous et soyons
unis.

Look at them
They are all the same (all the same)
They see you and flatter you and pretend to love you
Oh when you look at them theyʼre all the same
Smiles and promises, smiles and promises
Cry real tears til you believe
But they donʼt want you
they want what youve got
And it may taste sweet, but love itʼs not
Oh it may taste sweet but love itʼs not
Look at them
They are all the same (all the same)
Oh look at me cause I believed
Ive prayed in their temples down on my knees
I turned my back, felt the knife sink deep
Look at them theyʼre all the same
Take everything, itʼs a crying shame
And it might take sweet but itʼs a wicked game
They jump and cry, pretend to love you
They see you and go visit you in your family and leave your house midday.
might taste sweet but itʼs a wicked game
Look at them
Theyʼre all the same
We should be like the people of Niafunke (also called Soko Sondou Mayo)
Oh look at them they are all the same
Smile and promises, smiles and promises
But turn your back, then the knife goes in
Cause they donʼt want you, they want what you got
And it might taste sweet but thatʼs not love
Might taste sweet but its not love
Look at them
They are all the same

Overall Meaning

The song All the Same by Vieux Farka Touré is a cautionary take on life and the people in it. The lyrics are a warning to be careful of those who flatter you and pretend to love you. Despite their smiles and promises, they are all the same, wanting only what you've got. The song urges listeners to be aware of this and to stay united with those who truly care. It suggests following the example of the people of Niafunke, who are known for their tight-knit community and strong relationships.


The repetition of the phrase "ils sont tous les mêmes" or "they are all the same" drives home the message of the song. The lyrics describe the false love and flattery shown by people who only want to take advantage of others. The line "take everything, it's a crying shame" speaks to the destructive nature of this kind of behavior. The song also touches on the pain and betrayal that come from trusting the wrong people, with the line "turn your back, then the knife goes in."


Interestingly, despite the somber message of the song, the tune is upbeat and lively, a mix of traditional Malian music and modern influences. This juxtaposition creates a sense of hope, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is strength in unity.


Line by Line Meaning

Ils sont tous les mêmes.
Everyone is the same.


Je dis de les regarder, je dis qu'ils sont tous les mêmes.
Watch them closely, they are all the same.


Ils te voient en te flattant et font semblant de t'aimer.
They see you and flatter you, pretending to love you.


Ils sautent et crient faire semblant de t'aimer, je le dis.
They jump and shout, pretending to love you, I say.


Ils te voient et vont chez toi en famille et sortent de chez toi au milieu du jour.
They come to visit you and your family, leaving in the middle of the day.


On doit imiter Niafunkén je dis soko sondou Mayo (surnom de niafunké).
We should follow the example of Niafunke, called Soko Sondou Mayo.


Tenons à nous suivre dans un ensemble et crayons une bonne eentente entre nous et soyons unis.
Let's strive to be united, work together and create a good relationship.


Smiles and promises, smiles and promises
They give fake smiles and promises.


Cry real tears til you believe
They cry real tears until they convince you.


But they donʼt want you, they want what youve got
They don't love you, they are after what you possess.


And it may taste sweet, but love itʼs not
They might make it seem sweet, but it's not love.


Oh look at me cause I believed
Look at me, I fell for it.


Ive prayed in their temples down on my knees
I believed in their religion and prayed to them.


I turned my back, felt the knife sink deep
When I left, they hurt me deeply.


Take everything, itʼs a crying shame
They take everything, it's sad.


And it might take sweet but itʼs a wicked game
It might seem sweet, but it's a deceitful game.




Contributed by Kaelyn R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@MeaganVanceSullins

It's that blend between "modern culture" and "African rhythm", filtering a mutual ground, enabling a relate-able connection, for now "we" have a common interest. A masterpiece.

@b0tterman

My son is in the little red-haired kid. He's a pretty large teenager now. But this brings back such wonderful memories for, us, his parents. Plus we really love the song and the video!

@markyork1

This song, great. Just found this video and for me it helps tell the story! Such a great video, thank you for doing your part lol Hope he continues to grow bigger, stronger, kinder! <3

@MelBearns

I was today years old when I discovered this version of VFT's song with Mr Matthews. Wow. The vid is lovely and evocative as well.

@blackiefitzpatrick6611

Brilliant!!!

@RantingThespian

Wonderful song, and Dave's voice melds perfectly with it too. Also, the video here is very nicely done. I like it.

@snoookie456

huge Dave fan...
never knew this song existed...
WOW

@ambertelutki5479

When I first heard this song I didn't know who Vieux Farka Toure was until I heard it and started singing along with the African chorus part totally awesome song.

@gasperfam

Just makes it all feel better. No matter what. You are amazing, Dave.

@kschwarz0229

Gripping melody, love the tune, have to, our daughter was in it, Thanks!

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