Yves Duteil is a french singer and songwriter. He was born in Paris, in Jul… Read Full Bio ↴Yves Duteil is a french singer and songwriter. He was born in Paris, in July 24, 1949 and is the third child to be born in the family.

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.

Respect
Yves Duteil Lyrics

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Respect
C'est le parfum que l'on respire
Dans les lettres qu'on vient relire
En ouvrant la malle au trésor
Sous les mots qui nous grisent encore

Respect
C'est le ciment qui tient la pierre

Invisible grain de poussière
Mais qui tient la maison debout
Quand tout vacille autour de nous

Respect
C'est l'inconnu qui vous regarde
Et qui prie pour que Dieu vous garde
Comme un coeur qui battrait pour deux
Un ami qui vous suit des yeux

Respect
C'est la voix de nos différences
Nos peaux, nos races et nos croyances
Qui se réchauffent au même feu
En regardant vers d'autres cieux

Respect
Dans nos paroles et dans nos gestes
C'est l'ultime recours qui reste
À celui qui a tout quitter
Pour cesser d'être un étranger

Respect
C'est la fin de l'indifférence
Une écoute sur le silence
La lueur dans l'obscurité
Le début de l'humanité

Respect
C'est la force qui nous inspire
Pour pouvoir résister au pire
Et faire face en restant debout
Plutôt que de vivre à genoux

Respect
Celui des autres et de nous même
Qu'on emporte avec ceux qu'on aime
Au jour du dernier rendez-vous

Respect

C'est ce qui restera de nous
C'est ce qui restera de nous

Overall Meaning

Yves Duteil’s song “Respect” is an ode to the power of respect in our lives. The opening lines talk about how respect is like a fragrance that we breathe in. It is something that lingers on in the letters we reread and in the treasure chest of memories we hold. As we continue to listen to the song, we can see that Duteil shows that respect is present in the smallest of details, functioning as the invisible glue that holds everything together. It is present in the unknown person who watches over us and in the warmth of different communities that look to different skies.

Duteil’s lyrics also talk about how respect is the ultimate recourse to someone who has left everything behind to stop being a stranger. It is the end of indifference, the beginning of humanity, and the force that inspires us to resist the worst and keep standing. Respect is something that we carry with us when we leave, and it is what remains of us after we are gone.

In all, “Respect” reminds us of the power of respect, how it ties us to our past and helps us to face the future. Duteil's composition is an inspiring call to consider the impact that respect can have in our lives and our relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

Respect C'est le parfum que l'on respire Dans les lettres qu'on vient relire En ouvrant la malle au trésor Sous les mots qui nous grisent encore
Respect is like a scent that we breathe in, in the letters we read again, when we open treasure boxes, under words that still excite us.

Respect C'est le ciment qui tient la pierre Invisible grain de poussière Mais qui tient la maison debout Quand tout vacille autour de nous
Respect is the cement that holds the stone, like an invisible grain of dust that keeps the house standing when everything else around us shatters

Respect C'est l'inconnu qui vous regarde Et qui prie pour que Dieu vous garde Comme un coeur qui battrait pour deux Un ami qui vous suit des yeux
Respect is the unknown person who looks at you, as if praying to God to protect you, like a heart that beats for two or a friend who watches over you

Respect C'est la voix de nos différences Nos peaux, nos races et nos croyances Qui se réchauffent au même feu En regardant vers d'autres cieux
Respect is the voice of our differences, of our skins, races, and beliefs, which warm up by the same fire, looking towards other skies.

Respect Dans nos paroles et dans nos gestes C'est l'ultime recours qui reste À celui qui a tout quitter Pour cesser d'être un étranger
Respect is the ultimate resource left for someone who has given up everything, to stop being a stranger, in our words and our actions.

Respect C'est la fin de l'indifférence Une écoute sur le silence La lueur dans l'obscurité Le début de l'humanité
Respect is the end of indifference, listening to silence, the glimmer in darkness, and the beginning of humanity

Respect C'est la force qui nous inspire Pour pouvoir résister au pire Et faire face en restant debout Plutôt que de vivre à genoux
Respect is the strength that inspires us to resist the worst, and face it standing up, rather than living on our knees

Respect Celui des autres et de nous-mêmes Qu'on emporte avec ceux qu'on aime Au jour du dernier rendez-vous
Respect is the one we have for others and ourselves, that we carry with those we love, until our last meeting.

Respect C'est ce qui restera de nous C'est ce qui restera de nous
Respect is what will remain of us, it is what will remain of us.

Writer(s): Yves Duteil

Contributed by Leah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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