BOUTEILLE À LA MER (ARMEN PAUL / DIMITRI EHRLICH / MOBY & PETE GORDENO / MYLÈNE FARMER)

Bouteille à la mer is a twelfth track from Mylene Farmer 12th album L’Emprise released November 25 2022.

“Bouteille à la mer” is a song from Mylène Farmer’s twelfth studio album, “L’Emprise” (2022). The lyrics for “Bouteille à la mer” were written by Mylène Farmer, with music by Moby, along with credits to Dimitri Ehrlich, Armen Paul, and Pete Gordeno.

“BOUTEILLE À LA MER” is an infectious dance track, and it stands out as one of the few from the album “L’Emprise” that carries an upbeat and lively tune. However, beneath its cheerful exterior lies a profoundly contemplative and, some might even say, dark message. The theme explored in this song is not a new one for Mylène Farmer; instead, it harks back to her artistic roots—a theme that delves into the brevity of life and the ever-present specter of death. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency, capturing the essence of how fleeting existence can be:

“I don’t have time
To close my eyelids
I don’t have time
Nothing passes, I throw
A bottle in the sea”

In the midst of its danceable rhythm, “BOUTEILLE À LA MER” serves as a poignant reminder of life’s transience and the perpetual proximity of mortality.

“In addition to its rich tapestry of religious references, encompassing God, angels, miracles, faith, and the stations of the cross, Mylène Farmer continues to traverse the well-trodden paths close to her heart: the exploration of love, be it divine or carnal, the depths of the human soul, the enduring power of poetry against the forces of obscurantism, and her unquenchable thirst for living life to the fullest. In “L’Emprise,” she poignantly reminds us, ‘Adventure is ephemeral, time is limited on this earth.’ In “Bouteille à la mer,” orchestrated by the talented Moby, she emphatically declares, ‘I have no more time to waste.’

Moby, the American musician who had previously collaborated with Mylène on the duet ‘Slipping Away’ in 2006 and contributed to five out of eleven songs on the album ‘Bleu noir’ in 2010, graces this album with two remarkable gifts. ‘Bouteille à la mer,’ while undeniably luminous, is also irresistibly catchy, making it an instant hit. And then there’s ‘Relight the Stars,’ featuring an unforgettable soulful chorus that beckons, ‘I Feel It, I Feel Love.’

(source “Le Parisien” – 11/24/2022)”

According to Songtell.com, “Bouteille à la mer” by Mylène Farmer is a profound and evocative song that imparts a sense of urgency, encouraging us to embrace life to its fullest. The lyrics poetically convey the fleeting nature of existence, emphasizing that time is a precious commodity that should not be squandered. The central metaphor of a “bottle to the sea” symbolizes the singer’s yearning to establish meaningful connections with others before the sands of time run out.

The opening verse delves into the singer’s contemplation of an unfulfilled life, a sense of being overwhelmed by its swift passage. There’s an overwhelming feeling of urgency, as if life is slipping through their fingers like grains of sand. This urgency culminates in the act of casting a symbolic bottle into the sea—an earnest attempt to bridge the gap between the singer’s inner world and the vast ocean of humanity.

The second verse amplifies the idea that life’s unpredictability means it could end at any moment. The singer is resolute in their determination to seize every opportunity, refusing to be passive observers of life. They underscore the essential value of forging connections with others, recognizing that time waits for no one.

The line “Our planets inside-out” alludes to a world in turmoil, where chaos reigns. References to the boundless ocean and its dark depths, coupled with the notion of being shipwrecked, evoke a profound sense of isolation and desolation. However, the chorus resounds with a powerful message: despite the darkness and turmoil, there is still no time to lose.

The recurring phrase “plus le temps” (no more time) in the chorus serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency coursing through the song. It’s a fervent call to action, an urging for listeners to seize the moment, to relish life fully, and to partake in the rich tapestry of experiences it offers while there is still time.

In summary, “Bouteille à la mer” is an existential anthem that underscores the paramount importance of savoring each moment and fostering connections with others. Its lyrical messages resonate with anyone who acknowledges the finite nature of time and the imperative to make the most of it.

Heavily reminiscent of the epic ‘L’Horloge,’ she reminds herself and all of us that the life of a human is just a blink of an eye. There is no time to waste. Do something good, something memorable, or simply be aware of how precious every moment is

To my slight disappointment, the track wasn’t included in the NEVERMORE setlist (at least in its 2023 portion). Who knows how it might evolve in the fall of 2024. Mylène chose “RALLUMER LES ÉTOILES” to conclude the spectacle, and it was simply exhilarating.

I hope you agree if you had the pleasure of being there, and for those who are still eagerly awaiting the 2024 shows in Paris, I envy you.

Did you know that almost 40 years ago, Mylène Farmer participated in the a game show broadcast in the afternoon on October 19, 1984 “La bouteille à la mer” on TF1, broadcast ? The 23-year-old Mylène performed her hit “Maman a tort.” Isn’t it funny how it all has come full circle? Does she even remember that evening and, therefore, draw the final line summarizing her work as an artist and her life as a human on earth

Historically, messages in bottles have been used to send distress messages, in crowdsourced scientific studies of ocean currents, as memorial tributes, to transport deceased loved ones’ ashes on a final journey, to convey expedition reports, and to carry letters or reports from those who believed themselves to be doomed.

As soon as I heard the song, I thought of a song by The Police, ‘Message in a Bottle,’ released as the lead single from their second studio album, ‘Reggatta de Blanc’ (1979). Written by the band’s lead singer and bassist, Sting, the song is ostensibly about the story of a castaway on an island who sends out a message in a bottle to seek love. It’s interesting that this could appear completely unrelated if it were not for Sting, whom Mylene has admired for decades (and don’t we all?), and with whom she did a famous duet, ‘Stolen Car,‘ in 2015.

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lyrics with translation

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