QUE L’AUBE EST BELLE (WOODKID / MYLÈNE FARMER)

Que l’aube est belle is a third track from Mylene Farmer 12th album L’Emprise released November 25 2022.

Mylène Farmer’s “Que l’Aube est Belle” is a title that’s almost ineffable in its depth and significance. This song represents a beautiful metamorphosis, evolving from the long-held, innocent fears of mortality—echoes from her earlier work “Plus Grandir”—into a profound acceptance of the end. Mylène captures the idea that the twilight of life, far from being a mere cessation, can be a pinnacle of beauty, dignity, and creativity. She suggests that the setting of the sun might actually herald the dawn of an even more magnificent creation.

In this piece, Farmer is no longer shackled by fear. Instead, she marvels at the beauty of life’s final chapters, recognizing them as worthy of a lifetime’s wait. Her message is clear and striking: it is only through living fully that we earn the profound rewards found at the end of our journey. Each stage of human existence, according to Farmer, holds its own unique beauty. It’s a testament to the transformative power of art and the ever-present possibility of finding splendor, even in our final moments.

The lyrics to “Que l’Aube est Belle” are, as always, penned by Mylène Farmer herself, but it’s the collaboration with Woodkid that really cranks up the dial on this track. Calling Woodkid a genius might just be the understatement of the year. This track is arguably the crown jewel of the entire album, “L’Emprise,” and its brilliance is simply breathtaking.

The melody and the symphonic production break away from traditional “pop” music—think of it more as a symphony, a requiem if you will. It boasts an ethereal beauty and depth that’s mind-blowing. I hope you’ll agree with me here, and not because I’m scraping the bottom of my linguistic barrel; truly, any attempt to encapsulate this song’s essence feels almost like an insult. Yet, here I am, giving it a shot.

I must also highlight Mylène’s vocal performance. Her mastery of tone and vocal control would surely make her vocal coach, Karen Nimereala, proud, and might even silence her critics once and for all. Mylène’s voice isn’t just a part of the song; it’s a commanding presence that elevates the track into a whole new realm of artistry.
That is what perfection looks like, or in this case, what it sounds like.

Mylène Farmer is never one to lay all her cards on the table, is she? No, that wouldn’t be very Mylène-like. There’s always more than meets the eye—or ear—in her seemingly straightforward songs. So, let’s start peeling back the layers, shall we?

This track might just hold hidden references to Marie de Hennezel’s book (along with the track “Invisibles“), “Living with the Invisible,” published in 2021. If you’re curious about the connection, Mylène has been orbiting around these themes for quite some time. She even invited Hennezel to Jean-Luc Delarue’s show, “Déjà le retour,” which aired on France 2 back on December 17, 1995.

Flash forward to an interview Mylène gave to “Journal du Dimanche” on November 20, 2022, where she touched on her long-standing sensitivity to the topic of euthanasia. She reminisced about meeting Hennezel, “an incredible woman devoted to supporting those in need of end-of-life care.” Mylène expressed her personal wishes regarding end-of-life assistance, making it clear that this is a deeply personal and important issue for her.

Reacting to this, Marie de Hennezel tweeted about remembering Mylène reading “Intimate Death” and inviting her to “Déjà le retour” with Delarue. They even had lunch at Mylène’s place—a memory Hennezel cherishes.

If you’re a believer in the invisible forces that accompany us in our earthly existence—like angels, spiritual guides, and the souls of loved ones who have crossed over—then you’ll get where Mylène Farmer is coming from. She’s always danced on the fine line between the physical and the ethereal, the mortal and the infinite. Mylène isn’t just singing songs; she’s weaving a mystical tapestry that connects the seen with the unseen, inviting us to explore the profound depths where spirit meets matter. It’s this dance on the edge that infuses her music with an otherworldly charm, drawing us into a realm where anything seems possible.

Here’s what the critics had to say, if you’re interested.
In her latest album, Mylène Farmer sings of her pains, her deep secrets, and her hopes through a collection of ballads that truly shine. Particularly in tracks like “Que l’aube est belle” and “Que je devienne…“, there’s a burst of brilliance that promises to turn into spectacular moments on stage during her “Nevermore 2023” tour, as noted by Pure Charts. These songs, with their lyrical depth and emotional resonance, are destined to create unforgettable experiences for her audience.

However, the journey through the album isn’t without its darker moments. By the third track, there’s a noticeable shift, plunging into what feels like a beautiful yet disastrous dawn, capturing a sentiment echoed by Le Point.

Among the highlights is “Rayon vert,” a collaboration with Simon Buret of the duo AaRON. This track stands out with its high-caliber synth-pop sound, providing a striking contrast to some of the more pop-symphonic ballads, which, while beautiful, may lack a bit in melodic tone as highlighted by La Presse. It’s a testament to her ability to blend different musical styles effectively.

Critics have noted the album is peppered with lyrical ballads, with “Que l’aube est belle” often singled out as a masterpiece by Sud Ouest. Its rich, lyrical quality paints vivid emotional landscapes, pulling listeners into a profound musical experience.

Her voice, deeper than ever, still climbs to those spine-tingling high notes, especially in songs like “Que l’aube est belle” and “Que je devienne…“. The full, lush orchestrations give these vocal feats the perfect backdrop, highlighting her incredible range and emotional depth, as per La Voix du Nord.

The lyrics weave a tapestry of her inner world—from dark times and sleepless nights in “D’UN AUTRE PART” to a love story ending in heartbreak in “Forever.” Yet, amidst these poignant themes, there are tracks like “Invisibles” and “Que je devienne…” that emerge as loving odes, balancing the album’s heavier tones with moments of light and hope, a narrative enriched by Ouest France.

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NEVERMORE

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“Que l’aube est belle” was a standout performance during the Nevermore Stadium Tour 2023, and hopes are high that it will grace the stage again in 2024. During this rendition, Woodkid added a whole new dimension to the experience. Known for his virtuosity, Woodkid’s visual artistry played a pivotal role in the performance. He created a stunning, computer-generated backdrop where an avatar of Mylène navigates through snowy valleys—a powerful allegorical element that adds depth to the narrative.

This visual journey isn’t just for show; it ties back to iconic Mylène Farmer tracks like “Désenchantée,” evokes the snowy landscapes of “Tristana,” and echoes the rebellious spirit of “Fuck Them All.” The avatar, strikingly resembling the recent-year Mylène, enhances the emotional depth of the performance, making it a profoundly touching experience.

Behind the scenes, the musical direction was expertly handled by Yvan Cassar, while Woodkid himself was responsible for the breathtaking design of the stage images. This collaboration brought a unique blend of music and visual art to life, making “Que l’aube est belle” not just a song, but an immersive, emotional journey.

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lyrics with translation

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