Entourage Lyrics in English by Youssoupha
Somnambule translates to "sleepwalker". It's an evocative and somewhat unusual word to find in a rap song, making it stand out.
Youssoupha uses it metaphorically to describe his audience: "mon public est somnambule, je rappe des histoires à dormir debout" (my audience is sleepwalking, I rap stories that make you fall asleep standing up). This line cleverly plays on the idea that his stories are so captivating they could make you listen even in a dream-like state, or perhaps that his music is so profound it transcends conscious listening.
Youssoupha's "Entourage" is a fascinating journey through his mind, a raw and honest look at his contradictions and his place in the world. He kicks it off by admitting he's "bipolaire entre poème et vulgarité" [bipolar between poetry and vulgarity], which perfectly sets the tone for the whole track. He talks about feeling alone despite being surrounded by people, saying "chacun pour soi, la pression est palpable" [everyone for themselves, the pressure is palpable], but then finds solace in sharing, suggesting "on est tous solitaire mais on se soigne par le partage" [we are all solitary but we heal through sharing]. This idea of connection is so central, he even tells you to "envoie ce son à 3 personnes de ton entourage" [send this sound to 3 people in your entourage], creating a chain of solidarity through music.
He's incredibly introspective, revealing his struggles with his demons and the pressures of fame. He humorously notes, "Si j'avais eu un psy, il aurait eu besoin d'un psy" [If I had a shrink, he would have needed a shrink], showing the depth of his internal battles. Youssoupha also touches on societal issues, feeling like an outsider in his own country, and criticizes the superficiality he sees around him. But through it all, he remains true to himself, declaring, "C'est plus facile d'assumer ce qu'on est que d'imiter ce qu'on n'est pas" [It's easier to own who you are than to imitate what you are not]. It's a powerful message about authenticity, community, and finding strength in vulnerability, all wrapped up in his unique poetic style.
