Meaning of “5 Dollars” by Christine and the Queens

“5 Dollars” is a song that was recorded and released by Christine and the Queens in 2018. Christine and the Queens is the solo musical group of French singer and songwriter Héloïse Letissier. The lyrics of “5 Dollars” find the narrator singing about buying a kind of “love”/intimacy/companionship for as little as 5 bucks. The main character in the song is apparently a member of the oldest profession (aka a streetwalker). This woman sells her love/companionship very cheaply to whoever is willing to buy.

In a press release, Héloïse Letissier said of the song as one “so tender, so disheveled”. With regard to the lyrics, she said they deal “with some kind of love – the kind you can buy”.

Here’s the singer’s full statement regarding the meaning of this tune:

Music Video for “5 Dollars”

The song’s music video features just one person – Héloïse Letissier. In the clip, the singer begins her day with what appears to be her morning routine (exercise, a shower and some dancing). She then proceeds to dress up. And judging by the things she puts on, it is obvious she has a date with someone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVZOzZtKGuo

Letissier has described the song’s music video as “American Gigolo with a twist”. The “American Gigolo” here is referring to the famous American romantic crime film American Gigolo. The film, which came out in 1980, stars Lauren Hutton and Richard Gere.

Below is Christine and the Queens performing “5 Dollars” live during her appearance on the BBC Graham Norton Show in October 2018. After the performance, Letissier sheds some more light on the song and the entire album on which it appears.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwquZqWvLO4

Facts about “5 Dollars”

• “5 Dollars” was written entirely and produced by Christine and the Queens.
• This track was released on August 16, 2018.
• It is the fifth track off the album Chris. Chris is the second studio album by Christine and the Queens.
• The song also has a French version. That version is titled “5 dols”.

Was “5 Dollars” released as a single?

Yes. Christine and the Queens released this track as the official third single from the Chris (English Version) album.

Are there any differences between the English and French versions of this song?

Not really. The only difference between the two is the fact that one is sung in English whereas the other is sung in French.

You can listen to the French version of this song below. It is titled “5 dols”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzRYLc8tevc