Qui de Nous Deux?

Matthieu Chedid, also known as -M-, is a French singer-songwriter renowned for his eclectic style and poetic lyrics. In 'Qui de Nous Deux?', Chedid explores the intricate and symbiotic relationship between an artist and their instrument, specifically his guitar. The song delves into the mutual inspiration and influence that flows between the musician and the guitar, blurring the lines of where one ends and the other begins.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors, describing the guitar as an extension of the artist's body, a 'sixth limb' that shapes the music and emotions conveyed. Phrases like 'bras de bois' (wooden arms) and 'des cordes pour tendons' (strings for tendons) illustrate this deep connection, suggesting that the guitar is not just an object but a living, breathing part of the artist. The recurring question, 'Qui de nous deux inspire l'autre?' (Which of us inspires the other?), emphasizes the reciprocal nature of this relationship, where both the artist and the instrument feed off each other's energy and creativity.

Chedid also touches on the emotional highs and lows of this relationship. The guitar is described as an 'élégante compagne' (elegant companion) but also as a source of doubt and frustration, as seen in lines like 'Je te griffe, te lacère' (I scratch you, I lacerate you). This duality reflects the complex emotions artists often feel towards their craft—love, inspiration, frustration, and even the desire to abandon it at times. Yet, despite these challenges, the bond remains unbreakable, as the artist ultimately embraces the guitar, seeking solace and inspiration in its strings.

'Qui de Nous Deux?' is a poetic exploration of the intimate and dynamic relationship between an artist and their instrument. It captures the essence of artistic creation, where inspiration is a two-way street, and the boundaries between the creator and the creation are beautifully blurred.