In 1972, Yves Duteil had first minor hit with a song called "Virages" (English: "Turns"). Included on his 1974 debut album L'Écritoire, it shares fame with such songs as the title track and from his next album, "J'attends" (1976), "Tisserand", "Les Batignolles" (an area of Paris), etc.
His 1977 album "Tarentelle" which will become his most classic, including not only his most famous song ("Prendre Un Enfant") but also such songs as the title track, "Le Petit Pont de Bois", "Le Mur De La Prison D'En Face" which have all become classicss.
In 2001, Duteil released "Sans Attendre", more introspective than ever and with much modesty, he tackles some aspects of his life in a way that can bring a deep sight on life, understood in the light of spiritual love. In a simple way, he sings about friendship in tough times ("Les Gestes Délicats"), compassion for a father who never showed him that much affection, which never prevents Duteil to answer with love and sings all the kind words he found to his father, no matter what his childhood was like ("Lettre À Mon Père"). And probably the most touching song: "Pour Que Tu Ne Meures Pas", which deals with Yves Duteil's wife's disease.
L'autre côté
Yves Duteil Lyrics
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Un mur de béton et de fer s'était dressé pendant la nuit
Séparant des familles entières, ds parents et des fiancés
C'est là que passait la frontière comme un grand trait sur le papier
Que pouvaient-ils pour se défendre contre les armes et les blindés ?
Il n'y avait plus rien à comprendre, l'impossible était arrivé
Les grands hommes autour de la table, en discutant devant un verre
Se partageaient dans leurs cartables tout l'Univers...
C'est ainsi que s'écrit l'histoire, dans les livres et dans les cahiers
Jusqu'au jour où beaucoup plus tard, la parenthèse est refermée
Cette nuit la marée humaine a franchi le Mur de Berlin
L'explosion de leur joie soudaine a résonné jusqu'au matin
Et sous les bougies qui s'éteignent, aux premières lueurs du jour
Ces gens qui pleurent et qui s'étreignent à la Porte de Brandebourg
C'est tout un peuple emprisonné qui recouvre la liberté
Et qui découvre, émerveillé, l'Autre Côté...
J'imagine que les regardent ceux qui sont morts d'avoir osé
Braver les crocs des chiens de garde pour franchir les fils barbelés
Il reste encore ailleurs au monde, bien d'autres murs à faire tomber
On entend la rumeur qui gronde et plus rien ne peut l'arrêter
Mais plus haut que les citadelles, plus solides et plus résistants
Sous les murs qu'ont bâti la haine et la peur dans le cœur des gens
Et ce qu'il faudra de tendresse pour abattre ces murs un jour
Ce qu'il faut de délicatesse de patience et d'années d'amour
Ça ressemble à la belle image, du bonheur de la nuit passée
À ces gens qui sur un nuage, ont découvert, émerveillés, l'Autre Côté.
The lyrics of Yves Duteil's song "L'autre côté" depict a powerful narrative of division, struggle, and ultimately, the triumph of human spirit over barriers. The song starts by setting the scene after a war, where a concrete and iron wall suddenly appears, dividing families, parents, and lovers. The imagery of the wall as a stark line on paper symbolizes the harsh reality of separation brought about by conflict and politics. Despite the overwhelming presence of weapons and armored vehicles, there is a sense of helplessness and disbelief as people grapple with the sudden impossibility of the situation. The reference to "les grands hommes" discussing over a drink while holding the universe in their briefcases hints at the detached and distant nature of those in power.
As the story unfolds, the song transitions to a hopeful moment when the human tide breaks through the Berlin Wall years later. The imagery of joyous explosions and emotional reunions at the Brandenburg Gate captures the euphoria and relief of a people finally tasting freedom once again. The tears shed and embraces shared symbolize the overwhelming emotion of reclaiming liberty and stepping into the unknown territory of "l'Autre Côté" - the other side of the wall, both literally and metaphorically. This momentous event marks the closing of a chapter in history, a parenthesis of oppression and division now sealed.
The lyrics then shift towards a broader perspective on barriers and walls that still exist in the world. The defiance of those who dared to challenge oppressive forces is acknowledged, with a recognition that there are many other walls yet to be torn down. The rumbling of discontent and the unstoppable force of change underscore the universal struggle for liberation and unity. The mention of walls built by hate and fear in people's hearts emphasizes the emotional and psychological barriers that must also be overcome. The call for tenderness, delicacy, patience, and years of love reflects the enduring qualities needed to dismantle such walls.
In the final stanza, the song paints a poetic picture of the beauty and wonder experienced by those who have crossed over to the other side. The metaphor of being on a cloud and discovering the marvels of this new reality encapsulates the transformative journey from confinement to liberation. The lyrics convey a message of resilience, hope, and the enduring human capacity to break down walls, both physical and metaphorical, ultimately unveiling a brighter, more interconnected future on "l'Autre Côté."
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