L'enfer Lyrics in English Stromae

Below, I translated the lyrics of the song L'enfer by Stromae from French to English.
These lyrics have verified word for word translations. Click any lyric word to see the translation and hear the pronunciation!
Verse 1
I'm not all alone to be all alone
That's already one less thing in the head
And if I counted how many we are
A lot
Or: (We would be) Many
Everything I've already thought about
To say that many others have already thought about it
Or: It's crazy that many other people have thought just the same
But despite everything, I feel all alone
Therefore
Or: As a result
Chorus 1
I've sometimes had suicidal thoughts
And I'm not very proud
We believe sometimes that it's the only way to silence them
These thoughts that make us live like hell
These thoughts that make me live like hell
Verse 2
Am I the only one with the TV
And the guilt chain
Or: And the guilt trip channel
But you have to change your mind
Or: But you have to take your mind away from it
Not too much though
Otherwise, it starts again quickly in your head
And it's too late for it to stop
That's when I'd like to forget everything
Therefore
Chorus 2
I've sometimes had suicidal thoughts
And I'm not very proud
We believe sometimes that it's the only way to silence them
These thoughts that make us live like hell
These thoughts that make me live like hell
Outro 1
You know, I've carefully reflected
And I really don't know what to do with you
Exactly, thinking
That's the problem with you
Outro 2
You know, I've carefully reflected
And I really don't know what to do with you
Exactly, thinking
That's the problem with you
Lyrics and Translations Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Did you like these lyrics?
SONG MEANING

Belgian pop wizard Stromae trades the dance floor for honest self-reflection in "L'enfer" ("Hell"). Over pulsing synths he admits feeling trapped in his own mind, confessing that he has "suicidal thoughts" and a constant internal "guilt channel" playing on repeat. Yet the very first line – "I’m not the only one to be all alone" – reminds us that these dark spirals are shared; the song is a candid group therapy session set to an irresistible beat.

Rather than glamorizing despair, Stromae exposes it to daylight. By voicing the heaviness that many quietly carry, he transforms personal torment into collective relief: talking is the first step out of hell. The track ultimately delivers a hopeful takeaway for learners and listeners alike: when our thoughts feel like fire, connection and communication can douse the flames.

Did you know?
In addition to reading lyric translations, you can now learn French with music and lyrics from your favorite artists.
Yes, including L'enfer by Stromae!
No more boring lessons. You can now learn with engaging and culturally relevant lyrics from the best artists.
LEARN FRENCH WITH L'ENFER BY STROMAE
Learn French with music with 1989 lyric translations from various artists including Stromae
Get our free guide to learn French with music!
Join 49392 learners. Unsubscribe any time.
Google
Learn French with lessons based on this song!
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
Apple and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc.
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
MORE VERIFIED TRANSLATIONS
MORE STROMAE