Released in 2013, “Tous Les Memes” by Belgian singer Stromae quickly became a hit in Europe and Latin America. The song’s catchy beat and lyrics about gender stereotypes resonated with listeners around the world. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the lyrics and provide an English translation for Spanish-speaking audiences.
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The Story Behind “Tous Les Memes”
Stromae, whose real name is Paul Van Haver, wrote “Tous Les Memes” as a response to his own experiences with gender roles and societal expectations. The song’s title translates to “All the Same” in English, and the lyrics describe the frustration of being put into a box based on gender.
“Tous Les Memes” features a music video that is just as provocative as the song itself. In it, Stromae plays both a man and a woman, switching roles and clothing throughout. The video’s themes of androgyny, gender fluidity, and breaking free from societal norms are a perfect match for the song’s lyrics.
The Lyrics of “Tous Les Memes”
The first verse of “Tous Les Memes” sets the tone for the rest of the song:
Vous les hommes êtes tous les mêmes
Macho mais cheap, bande de mauviettes
Pensant avec votre sexe, mais ne pensant qu’avec ça
Vous les hommes êtes tous les mêmes
In English, this translates to:
You men are all the same
Macho but cheap, a bunch of sissies
Thinking with your genitals, but only thinking with that
You men are all the same
The chorus of the song is perhaps the most recognizable part:
Alors on danse, on danse
Et puis on tombe, et puis on tombe
Et quand y’en a plus, eh bien on recommence
Which translates to:
So we dance, we dance
And then we fall, and then we fall
And when there’s no more, well we start again
What People are Saying About “Tous Les Memes”
Since its release in 2013, “Tous Les Memes” has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its message about gender roles and stereotypes. Many people have also praised Stromae’s music video for its bold and thought-provoking visuals.
“I love how Stromae challenges gender norms in ‘Tous Les Memes.’ It’s a message that needs to be heard around the world,” says Maria, a fan of the singer from Uruguay.
“As a non-binary person, ‘Tous Les Memes’ is a song that really speaks to me. It’s refreshing to see an artist take on these issues in such a creative way,” says Alex, a music blogger from the United States.
Translating “Tous Les Memes” for Spanish Speakers
For Spanish-speaking audiences who may not be familiar with French, understanding the lyrics of “Tous Les Memes” can be a challenge. Here is a translation of the chorus in Spanish:
Entonces bailamos, bailamos
Y luego caemos, y luego caemos
Y cuando ya no hay más, volvemos a empezar
And here is a translation of the first verse:
Los hombres son todos iguales
Machos pero baratos, un grupo de cobardes
Pensando con su sexo, pero solo pensando en eso
Los hombres son todos iguales
Conclusion
“Tous Les Memes” by Stromae is a powerful and thought-provoking song that challenges gender norms and stereotypes. Its catchy beat and memorable lyrics have made it a hit around the world. We hope this translation guide has helped Spanish-speaking audiences better understand the message behind the song.
