Challenger Lyrics in English by Kery James, Soprano

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Below, I translated the lyrics of the song Challenger by Kery James from French to English.

These lyrics have verified word for word translations. Click any lyric word to see the translation and hear the pronunciation!

Challenger

Challenger, challenger

They wanted me to stay on the landing

Nobody wanted to bet on me

They already saw me in a drawer

But I wanted to sing a different story

I wanted to bring my suburb to the big screen

They told me, "You're not family, bro, leave me alone"

Noisy desires

Hard to sleep and when I wake up

Still the same bitterness, I told myself, "You're more the type to die trying"

(Die trying, die trying)

Challenger, challenger, challenger

Challenger, all my life I've had to challenge

Challenger, challenger, challenger

Challenger, all my life I've had to challenge

I stayed standing, I stayed standing

I stayed standing, I stayed standing, I stayed standing

I stayed standing

Our dreams stood before their closed doors

We really had to work hard

Standing against all odds

Challenger, challenger, all my life I've had to challenge

Our dreams stood before their closed doors

We really had to work hard

Standing against all odds

Challenger, challenger, all my life I've had to challenge

They wanted me to stay on the landing

They thought I was completely crazy

But I still had bullets left in the chamber

If they take the elevator then I'll take the stairs

Always, always, always one step ahead

(We are the suburbs)

We set the fashion and we break the trends

(Burn out in high places)

It's been a long time since we even cared what they think

(We are (Bold)

We don't have time, we grew up in a rush

(We grew up in a rush)

Challenger, challenger, challenger

Challenger, all my life I've had to challenge

Challenger, challenger, challenger

Challenger, all my life I've had to challenge

I stayed standing, I stayed standing

I stayed standing, I stayed standing, I stayed standing

I stayed standing

Our dreams stood before their closed doors

We really had to work hard

Standing against all odds

Challenger, challenger, all my life I've had to challenge

Our dreams stood before their closed doors

We really had to work hard

Standing against all odds

Challenger, challenger, all my life I've had to challenge

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Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Alix Mathurin, Said M'Roumbaba

Did you like this lyrics translation?

barillet — cylinder (of a revolver)

Barillet literally translates to "cylinder" as in the rotating part of a revolver that holds the bullets. It's a less common word in everyday French, making it intriguing.

In the context of the song, Kery James uses it metaphorically to express resilience and having resources left to fight. He sings, "Mais ils me restait encore des balles dans le barillet" (But I still had bullets left in the cylinder), implying he still had strength, arguments, or opportunities to succeed despite challenges. This powerful imagery makes the word memorable and impactful.

Kery James and Soprano's "Challenger" is a powerful anthem about overcoming obstacles and defying expectations. It's a shout-out to anyone who's ever been underestimated or told they couldn't achieve their dreams.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artists' journey, starting from a place where "personne voulait parier" [no one wanted to bet on me]. They talk about being seen as crazy, or only fit for the sidelines, but their ambition was too strong. They wanted to "porter ma banlieue sur le grand écran" [carry my suburb to the big screen], even when told to "laisse ber-tom" [drop it]. It's about that relentless spirit, staying "debout contre vents et marées" [standing against winds and tides], and proving everyone wrong. This song is all about fighting for your place and never giving up, even when you have to take the stairs while others take the elevator!

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Kery James Challenger Lyrics