Since his childhood, Vieux Farka Touré has been deeply inspired by the music of his father, Ali Farka Touré. Growing up in Mali's capital, Bamako, as well as in his father's hometown of Niafunké in the Sahara desert - both teeming with rich musical life - Vieux proved himself a precocious talent as a drummer and calabash player. Ali, however, grew concerned about his son's future as he observed his son's budding musical gifts. Having long suffered in the music industry himself before finally finding a home with World Circuit Records, Ali did not want his son to have to have to face the same hardships. He forbade Vieux to play music and decided that Vieux should become a soldier instead. Vieux, as stubborn as his father's moniker FARKA (donkey) suggested, began instead to play along with his father's recordings in hiding, determined to pursue his musical aspirations.
In 1999, Vieux -- now a young man -- decided to take his destiny into his own hands. He enrolled in the National Arts Institute in Bamako, openly defying his father's wishes. It was there that Vieux truly discovered his musical calling, picking up the guitar and beginning to compose his own music. By the time he left the Arts Institute, he was already a locally celebrated guitar virtuoso, able to emulate almost perfectly his father's playing. Word began to spread throughout Bamako that Ali's successor was emerging. It was then that Toumani Diabaté - the world's premiere kora player - first took notice of Vieux, and brought him into his performing ensemble. Recognizing Vieux's abilities, Toumani urged Ali to accept his son's chosen path. Ali agreed, and under Toumani's artistic guidance, Vieux flourished. He performed in France and South Africa and even began to accompany his father on guitar. At the same time, his own stunning compositions introduced new sounds and influences into the tradition of desert blues from Northern Mali.
In 2005, Vieux reconnected with his friend Eric Herman, a North American musician and producer with whom Vieux had played while he was a student at the Arts Institute. Both Vieux and Eric realized that it was time that Vieux record his debut album. They quickly got to work in the studio. Toumani agreed to contribute his awesome talent on two of the tracks. Meanwhile Ali - growing increasingly ill with cancer - offered his final recordings to Vieux's self-titled debut album, the ultimate expression of approval of his son's path, passing him the torch with which to light his way.
Since then, Vieux has released two more studio albums (Fondo, 2009, and The Secret, 2011), a remix album (UFOs Over Bamako, 2008), and a live album (LIVE, 2010).
All the Same
Vieux Farka Touré Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
– 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
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.
@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!