L’amour Et L’eau Fraîche

I've spent the past few days absorbed in another culture - France and its language, music, literature, cinema. The danger and the beauty of jumping into unknown territory like this, not only tasting but forming and projecting opinions about it, is that you have no idea what you're talking about.

For instance, I haven't been able to get this song out of my head since I first heard it - L’amour Et L’eau Fraîche by Eddy (La)Gooyatsh. I really like it, enough to want to post it on my blog as a reflection of me, or at least my musical sensibilities. But who knows what cultural significance (or insignificance) this song has for the native French. This could have been that song that was repeated on blast ad nauseum until it was converted into pop bile, like a Britney Spears tune from the late 90s. Bubblegum. Or perhaps its a future classic, a song that makes the French smile in recognition and pride when heard. Or maybe, certainly for some, the opening riffs that perk my ears leave theirs perfectly indifferent.

Without understanding societal norms and cues, a newbie is left to form their own impressions...and take the risk of falling within or outside the lines of cultural cool. We've all been amongst the insiders, slyly smiling at others who just don't get it yet. I remember the songs I used to slow dance to at wedding receptions in Spain. Devastating lyrics of amorous destruction and loss fell like promises of fidelity and eternal happiness on the ears of the Spanish. If you hadn't seen the Bodyguard or fully understood its content you might think Whitney Houstons "I Will Always Love You" signals the beginning to an everlasting union. We've also all been on the outside, in a country where we can't express ourselves or even read if you've ever traveled in a country with a Cyrillic-based language. Having experiences such as these has hopefully made us more open to those who aren't yet aware.

To really learn we must be vulnerable, speak our minds and express our opinions but be willing to step wrong and be corrected. So tonight I dare to say that I like this song, that it's very "French" to me. Without knowing what the natives would say, without even understanding all of the words (smile), I like it because it's playful and fresh, because it sounds like new love and I can't wait for some of that.

Frenchies, and anyone else who has a clue, let me know where I've landed. Close, way off, trop mignon, c'est pas cool?

Listen : L’amour Et L’eau Fraîche