Up Saw Liz
Stromae
The Irony of Modern Music Consumption in 'Up Saw Liz'
Stromae's 'Up Saw Liz' is a satirical commentary on the modern listener's relationship with music. The song opens with a direct address to the audience, questioning their desire for 'good sound' without caring about the lyrical content or the effort behind it. This sets the tone for the entire piece, highlighting the superficiality with which many people consume music today. Stromae's frustration is palpable as he mocks the listener's indifference to whether the lyrics are the result of years of reflection or just random words strung together.
The repetition in the lyrics, such as 'Que j'te refasse exactement le même couplet?' (Do you want me to repeat the exact same verse?), underscores the monotony and lack of appreciation for originality in the music industry. Stromae points out that listeners often don't pay attention to the message or the effort behind the music, as long as it has a catchy beat. This is further emphasized in the chorus, where the nonsensical 'Up saw liz lalala' serves as a metaphor for meaningless lyrics that still manage to captivate the audience.
In the second verse, Stromae continues to criticize the listener's apathy, stating that they don't understand because they don't listen. He even suggests that he could sing 'des trucs à 2 balles' (cheap stuff) and it wouldn't make a difference. The song's instrumental break and the final repetition of the chorus reinforce the idea that the music's substance is often overlooked in favor of its surface appeal. 'Up Saw Liz' is a clever and biting critique of the modern music landscape, where the depth and meaning of lyrics are frequently sacrificed for commercial success.