L'Étranger (part. Thiago Pethit)

Tiê's song "L'Étranger," featuring Thiago Pethit, is a poignant exploration of distance, longing, and the inevitability of fate. The lyrics weave between Portuguese and French, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that reflect the complexities of human relationships. The song opens with the imagery of spring, a time traditionally associated with renewal and healing, yet the protagonist remains a 'forasteiro' or stranger, indicating a sense of alienation despite the changing seasons.

The recurring question, "Por onde é que andarás?" (Where will you go?), underscores the uncertainty and distance between the two individuals. This distance is not just physical but emotional, as the protagonist acknowledges that even if they could feel the other's distance, they would not change their course. This resignation is further emphasized in the French verses, where the singer speaks of spending sleepless nights searching for the end of the world, only to find themselves lost and fatigued, with their story unchanged.

The song's climax reveals a sense of surrender to destiny, as the protagonist repeatedly states, "Je te laisse à ton destin" (I leave you to your destiny). This acceptance of fate is both a release and a resignation, acknowledging that some paths are meant to diverge. The final lines, which speak of having only one route to forget and the metaphor of a revolver, suggest a painful but necessary separation. Through its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, "L'Étranger" captures the bittersweet essence of love, loss, and the inexorable pull of destiny.