Tous les mêmes by Stromae Lyrics Meaning – Unpacking the Anthem of Relational Frustrations

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Stromae's Tous les mêmes at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

Vous les hommes êtes tous les mêmes
Macho mais cheap
Bande de mauviettes infidèles
Si prévisibles, non je ne suis pas certaine, que tu m’mérites
Z’avez de la chance qu’on vous aime
Dis-moi “Merci”

Rendez-vous, rendez-vous, rendez-vous au prochain règlement
Rendez-vous, rendez-vous, rendez-vous sûrement aux prochaines règles

Cette fois c’était la dernière
Tu peux croire que c’est qu’une crise
Mate une dernière fois mon derrière
Il est à côté de mes valises
Tu diras au revoir à ta mère, elle qui t’idéalise
Tu n’vois même pas tout c’que tu perds
Avec une autre ce serait pire
Quoi toi aussi tu veux finir maintenant?
C’est le monde à l’envers
Moi je l’disais pour te faire réagir seulement
Toi t’y pensais

Rendez-vous, rendez-vous, rendez-vous au prochain règlement
Rendez-vous, rendez-vous, rendez-vous sûrement aux prochaines règles

Facile à dire, je suis gnangnan
Et que j’aime trop les bla bla bla
Mais non non non, c’est important
Ce que t’appelles les ragnagnas
Tu sais la vie c’est des enfants
Mais comme toujours, c’est pas le bon moment
Ah oui pour les faire, là, tu es présent
Mais pour les élever y aura des absents
Lorsque je n’serais plus belle
Ou du moins au naturel
Arrête je sais que tu mens
Il n’y a que Kate Moss qui est éternelle

Moche ou bête, c’est jamais bon
Bête ou belle, c’est jamais bon
Belle ou moi, c’est jamais bon
Moi ou elle, c’est jamais bon

Rendez-vous, rendez-vous, rendez-vous au prochain règlement
Rendez-vous, rendez-vous, rendez-vous sûrement aux prochaines règles

Tous les mêmes, tous les mêmes
Tous les mêmes et y’en a marre

Tous les mêmes, tous les mêmes
Tous les mêmes et y’en a marre

Tous les mêmes, tous les mêmes
Tous les mêmes et y’en a marre

Tous les mêmes, tous les mêmes
Tous les mêmes

Belgian musician Paul Van Haver, known as Stromae, has a rare talent for welding infectious beats to profound lyricism, creating anthems that resonate on a global scale. ‘Tous les mêmes’, a pinnacle work within his discography, serves as an incisive exploration of gender dynamics, the pitfalls of romantic relationships, and the societal pressures that ensnare modern love.

‘Tous les mêmes’ is more than just a pop hit; it’s a conversation starter, a mirror held up to the cultural stereotypes and the battle of the sexes. The song digs deep into the gritty details of a love-hate relationship, transforming an individual’s lament into a universal cry of exasperation. Let’s take a closer look at the layers beneath the catchy tune.

The Gender Gap Groove: Dance Beats Camouflaging Cutting Commentary

Stromae’s trademarks are his danceable rhythms and undeniably catchy hooks. Yet, beneath the vibrant, accordion-tinged synth of ‘Tous les mêmes’, lies a scathing critique of gendered stereotypes. He dresses these biting observations in an upbeat tempo, inviting listeners to groove while contemplating the depth of his words, a subtle reflection on how societal norms on masculinity and femininity are often digested without thought.

As the song deconstructs the cliché that ‘all men are the same’, Stromae challenges listeners to look beyond traditional notions of male behavior, specifically addressing themes like machismo and infidelity. The music’s energy belies its serious subject matter, creating a juxtaposition that is both jarring and effective.

The Twist of Bilingual Brilliance and Multicultural Resonance

Singing primarily in French, Stromae extends his appeal with snippets that transcend language barriers. In ‘Tous les mêmes’, his choice of words like ‘rendez-vous’ implies regularity and expectation, not only capturing a French-speaking audience but also engaging those drawn to the song’s multicultural fabric.

The narrative doesn’t just represent one person or a single culture’s experience; it resonates with anyone who has experienced the tumults of love and disillusion. The universal appeal of Stromae’s music is further amplified by this skilled incorporation of accessible language and relevant themes.

The Dialogues That Dance: Memorable Lines and Their Strikes

Stromae’s lyricism shines in the conversational style that permeates ‘Tous les mêmes’. Lines like ‘Vous les hommes êtes tous les mêmes’ and ‘Tu sais la vie c’est des enfants’ not only stick in the memory but also act as sharp dialogues within the song, serving as the voice of an individual confronting societal and relational expectations.

These memorable lines pierce through the listener’s consciousness, offering a stark commentary on the repetitiveness of relationship issues and the disconnect between romantic ideals and reality. It’s no wonder that phrases from the song have become part of the cultural lexicon, encapsulating the struggle within modern relationships.

Peeling Back Layers: The Hidden Meaning Behind the Rendez-Vous

The recurrent use of ‘rendez-vous’ reveals a double entendre. Beyond indicating a meeting, it signifies the cyclic nature of arguments, the inevitability of recurring conflicts in relationships. Stromae plays with this phrase to highlight the predictability of these cycles, perhaps suggesting that the ‘rendez-vous’ itself is to be anticipated just as much as its intended subject.

By repeating ‘aux prochaines règles’, Stromae touches on the taboo topic of menstruation, employing it as a metaphor for the cyclical arguments and the perceived irrationality often unjustly attributed to women during this time. It’s much deeper than a simple chorus line; it’s a commentary on how natural processes are entangled within social and gendered misconceptions.

A Cultural Phenomenon: The Impact and Legacy of ‘Tous les mêmes’

Since its release, ‘Tous les mêmes’ has evolved into an anthem for the misunderstood, those weary of stereotypes and societal pressures. Its magnetic pull on audiences across the globe speaks not only to Stromae’s musical prowess but also to a collective yearning for authentic, relatable narratives that challenge the status quo.

The song endures as a testament to the universal complexities of human relationships, the frustrations voiced in its lyrics spanning beyond the Francophone world to touch millions who find solace and solidarity in Stromae’s poignant portrayal of love and conflict in contemporary life.