Stromae – Formidable [Lyrics song English] Romantic breakup

The very title of this song by Stromae evokes a deep feeling, that of heartache. In “Formidable”, the Belgian artist plunges us into a whirlwind of emotions, expressing with brutal sincerity the torments of a romantic breakup.

The music itself is a mix of melancholy and upbeat rhythms, creating an atmosphere that is both poignant and energetic. The lyrics, meanwhile, depict a desperate man, seeking to drown his pain in alcohol and self-pity. Stromae highlights the fragility of human beings when faced with the pain of loss in love.

This title resonates so powerfully because it evokes a universal feeling. Who has never felt the weight of heartbreak, that feeling of emptiness and despair that seems impossible to overcome? “Formidable” captures this pain with shattering intensity.

Stromae manages to tug at our heartstrings, to remind us that heartbreak is an integral part of the human experience. But beyond the sadness, there is also a glimmer of hope in this song, a force that pushes us to continue despite everything. It is this mixture of contradictory emotions that makes “Formidable” so powerful and so deeply impacting.

The “poetic text”: “Formidable in English” by Stromae

Wonderful wonderful
You were great, I was very shabby
we were great
Tremendous
You were great, I was very shabby
we were great
Oh, Baby, oops, Miss
I'm not going to flirt with you, I swear
I'm single since damn yesterday
I can't have children and well, it's not...
Hey, come back, five minutes, I didn't insult you
I'm polite, courteous, and a little drunk
But for guys like me
You have something else to do, eh
Would have seen me yesterday
I was great, great
You were great, I was very shabby
we were great
Tremendous
You were great, I was very shabby
we were great
Oh, did you look at yourself?  You think you're beautiful
Because you got married?
But it's just a ring
Dude, don't get carried away
She's going to dump you like they do every time
And then the other girl,
did you talk to him about it?
If you want I'll tell him, like that it's settled
And the little one too, well if you have any
Wait three years, seven years and then you will see
If it's great, great
You were great, I was very shabby
we were great
Tremendous
You were great, I was very shabby
we were great
Hey little one, oh sorry, little one
You know in life, there are neither bad nor good people
If Mom is annoying
It's because she's afraid of being a grandmother
If Dad cheats on mom
It's because Mom is getting old, well
Why are you all red?  Well come back kid
And what do you all have
Looking at me like a monkey, you?
Ah yes, you are holy, you
Bunch of monkeys
Give me a baby monkey
He will be great, great
You were great, I was very shabby
we were great
Tremendous
You were great, I was very shabby
we were great

Stromae - "Formidable.  
The translation: https://deco-originale.fr/en/

“Formidable” by Stromae: general information on the music video

The musical style mixes French song with elements of electronic music. The lyrics are in French.

The song’s music video, filmed in Brussels, went viral shortly after its release. It shows Stromae apparently drunkenly wandering the streets singing the song.

“Formidable” was a great commercial and critical success, reaching number one on the charts in several European countries. She helped introduce Stromae to an international audience.

“Formidable” by Stromae:

Exploration of contradictory emotions

Stromae’s song “Formidable” poignantly explores the conflicting emotions a person can feel. The title itself is indicative of this inner conflict, with the use of the word “terrific” evoking something both wonderful and awe-inspiring, but also fearsome.

Evocation of wonder and sadness

In the lyrics, we feel this duality between wonder and sadness. On the one hand, the narrator is fascinated by the person he loves, finding her “formidable”, almost unreal. But on the other hand, he seems distraught and sad, as if this relationship is overwhelming or hurting him in some way.

Contrast between wonder and pity

This contrast between wonder and sadness is also reflected in the contrast between the idyllic vision of the loved one (“formidable”) and the feeling of pity that the narrator seems to feel towards him. This pity underlines a form of fragility, even vulnerability, which hides behind the apparent perfection.

Rejection of romantic commitment

Beyond these contradictory emotions, we can also perceive in the text a form of rejection of romantic commitment. The narrator seems both fascinated and frightened by this relationship, failing to fully invest himself in it. This refusal to engage may be linked to fear of being hurt or losing control.

By exploring these different emotional nuances, Stromae’s song “Formidable” offers a deep and universal reflection on the complexity of romantic feelings.

Also read: Maître Gims: the poet of modern times – French rap (Hip-hop)

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