papaoutai – Stromae

Stromae’s “Papaoutai” is a powerful song that delves into themes of fatherhood and absence, featuring an official video that amplifies the song’s emotional and social commentary. Released in 2013 as part of his second album, Racine Carrée, the track quickly became a standout hit, known for its unique blend of electronic beats and poignant lyrics. The song’s video, directed by Stromae himself, offers a visual narrative that complements its lyrical depth and has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

The Song: A Blend of Beats and Emotion
“Papaoutai,” which translates to “Papa Where Are You?” in English, addresses the absence of a father figure. The song’s title is a play on words and sounds, combining “papa” (father) with “outai,” a made-up word that phonetically mimics the French phrase “où t’es?” (where are you?). Stromae’s lyrics explore the emotional void left by a father’s absence, reflecting on the societal and personal impacts of growing up without a father.

Musically, “Papaoutai” blends electronic beats with traditional African rhythms, creating a track that is both modern and rooted in cultural heritage. Stromae’s distinct voice and rhythmic delivery add to the song’s emotional intensity, making it not just a danceable track but also a thought-provoking piece of music.

The Official Video: A Visual Exploration
The official video for “Papaoutai” is a visually striking piece that complements the song’s themes. Directed by Stromae himself along with his frequent collaborator, Jérémie Périn, the video features a strikingly innovative approach to storytelling and choreography.

Concept and Imagery
The video opens with a surreal scene where Stromae performs in a sterile, clinical-looking room that mimics a lab setting. This imagery is both unsettling and intriguing, setting the tone for the visual exploration of the song’s themes. As the video progresses, Stromae is shown in a variety of settings, including a futuristic, monochromatic house where he interacts with a mechanical baby.

One of the most memorable aspects of the video is its use of choreography. Stromae and his backup dancers perform intricate, synchronized movements that resemble robotic motions. This dance style reinforces the song’s themes of mechanization and emotional detachment, creating a visual metaphor for the emotional void experienced by the protagonist.

Symbolism and Themes
The video is rich with symbolism. The recurring image of Stromae interacting with a lifeless mechanical baby highlights the emotional disconnect and the struggle to connect with a father figure. This imagery reflects the song’s exploration of paternal absence and the impact it has on personal development and identity.

Additionally, the sterile, almost dystopian setting of the video enhances the song’s emotional depth. The clinical environment contrasts sharply with the warmth and vibrancy of Stromae’s music, underscoring the dissonance between the protagonist’s internal emotional world and the external, seemingly indifferent reality.

Reception and Impact
“Papaoutai” and its accompanying video received widespread acclaim for their originality and emotional resonance. The song topped charts in several countries and earned Stromae numerous awards, including a Victoires de la Musique award for Best Video. The video, in particular, was praised for its innovative approach and its ability to convey complex emotions through visual storytelling.

The impact of “Papaoutai” extends beyond its commercial success. The song and video sparked conversations about fatherhood and family dynamics, resonating with audiences who saw their own experiences reflected in Stromae’s work. The video’s artistic approach also set a new standard for music videos, influencing how artists and directors think about visual storytelling in music.

Conclusion
Stromae’s “Papaoutai” is a compelling piece of music that combines a poignant message with innovative visual artistry. The song’s exploration of fatherhood and emotional absence is amplified by its official video, which uses striking imagery and choreography to deepen the viewer’s understanding of the song’s themes. Through this blend of music and visual art, Stromae has created a powerful narrative that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

LYRICS (FR)
[Couplet 1]
Dites-moi d’où il vient
Enfin je saurai où je vais
Maman dit que lorsqu’on cherche bien
On finit toujours par trouver
Elle dit qu’il n’est jamais très loin
Qu’il part très souvent travailler
Maman dit “travailler c’est bien”
Bien mieux qu’être mal accompagné
Pas vrai ?

[Refrain]
Où t’es, papaoutai ?
Où t’es, papaoutai ?
Où t’es, papaoutai ?
Où t’es, où t’es où, papaoutai ?
Où t’es, papaoutai ?
Où t’es, papaoutai ?
Où t’es, papaoutai ?
Où t’es, où t’es où, papaoutai ?
Où t’es
Où t’es…

[Couplet 2]
Quoi, qu’on y croit ou pas
Y aura bien un jour où on n’y croira plus
Un jour ou l’autre on sera tous papa
Et d’un jour à l’autre on aura disparu
Serons-nous détestables ?
Serons-nous admirables ?
Des géniteurs ou des génies ?
Dites-nous qui donne naissance aux irresponsables ?
Ah dites-nous qui, tiens
Tout le monde sait comment on fait des bébés
Mais personne sait comment on fait des papas
Monsieur Je-sais-tout en aurait hérité, c’est ça
Faut l’sucer d’son pouce ou quoi ?
Dites-nous où c’est caché, ça doit
Faire au moins mille fois qu’on a
Bouffé nos doigts
Hey !

[Pont]
Où est ton papa ?
Dis-moi où est ton papa ?
Sans même devoir lui parler
Il sait ce qui ne va pas
Ah sacré papa
Dis-moi où es-tu caché ?
Ça doit, faire au moins mille fois que j’ai
Compté mes doigts
Hey
Où est ton papa ?
Dis-moi où est ton papa ?
Sans même devoir lui parler
Il sait ce qui ne va pas
Ah sacré papa
Dis-moi où es-tu caché ?
Ça doit, faire au moins mille fois que j’ai
Compté mes doigts
Hey !

Stromae