About “La solassitude”
The third track on the album Multitude, released in 2022, is built around the original sound of a Chinese violin, the erhu, and classical arrangements by Bruno Letort. For his return after seven years away, Stromae invented a special word to describe the contradictions of the heart: “solassitude.” This blend expresses two opposing feelings: the “solitude” felt when single and the “lassitude” that can settle within a couple.
The song features deep writing that seeks to confront these two states in a single creative thrust. As is often the case with the Belgian artist, there is a perfect balance between intimate lyrics and an engaging rhythm. With his deep voice, Stromae thus transforms a personal feeling into a universal emotion, creating an atmosphere that is both melancholic and danceable.
Key Points to Remember:
- Extracted from the album Multitude, this song relies on the invented term “solassitude” to explore the dilemma between the solitude of being single and the weariness of couple life.
- Driven by a melody blending the Chinese erhu with driving rhythms, the track transforms this intimate tug-of-war into a universal emotion that is both melancholic and danceable.
- The piece achieved immense success on a triple-platinum-certified album, establishing itself as a landmark work thanks to its original production and universal writing
Analysis and Meaning of “La solassitude”
General Interpretation of the Song
“La solassitude” depicts the romantic dilemma where both singledom and partnership carry their own wounds. Stromae plays on the contrast between the desire for independence and the need for companionship, a tension that speaks to a whole generation seeking balance. The rhythm, a mix of gentle percussion and a captivating melody, reinforces this intimate tension and gives the sensation of a constant sway.
Also read: “Ta reine” by Angèle: Meaning of the Song
The intensity of the track increases as the voice becomes more poignant, supported by the notes of a Chinese erhu that bring a universal touch. By blending sounds from Asia and Europe, the artist creates a change of scenery that highlights the complexity of his feelings. The structure alternates between calm and energy to convey our mood swings, contrasting the sometimes oppressive freedom of the single life with the tiresome routine of couple life.
“La solassitude” on Spotify:
Analysis of the Lyrics of “La solassitude”
- “Le célibat me fait souffrir de solitude / La vie de couple me fait souffrir de lassitude”
(English translation: “Single life makes me suffer from loneliness / Couple life makes me suffer from weariness”)
This repetition of the refrain emphasizes the fragile balance between two stages of affective life. The cyclical form of the text reinforces the idea of a feeling that repeats endlessly. The choice of words evokes a painful banality turned obsessive. - “Les plans culs, c’est mon quotidien mais difficile de m’confier”
(English translation: “Casual hookups are my daily routine but it’s difficult for me to open up”)
This introductory line establishes a character in search of meaning. The colloquial use of the term reinforces the raw nature of the confession. Stromae evokes the difficulty of sharing a sincere emotion beyond the purely carnal aspect. - “On dort dans le même lit mais on s’éloigne petit à petit”
(English translation: “We sleep in the same bed but we drift apart little by little”)
These words simply describe the progressive deterioration of a relationship. The image of the bed empty of warmth symbolizes disunion. The breaking of physical closeness becomes a metaphor for an emotional bond that is stretching.
Analysis of the Clip
There is no official video for the song “La solassitude”. However, there is a live performance video from the 2022 NRJ Music Awards. As usual, Stromae performs his track in a very theatrical manner, immersed in a dark atmosphere with dim lighting.
Technical Details
- Song title: La solassitude
- Title translation: The solassitude
- Artist(s): Stromae
- Year of release: 2022
- Album: Multitude
- Related songs: “Invaincu”, “Santé”, “L’enfer”
- Musical genre: Belgian Electro, Belgian Dance-Pop
- Writer(s): Stromae
- Composer(s): Stromae
- Producer(s): Stromae
- Label/distribution: Mercury Records / Polydor France / Mosaert
Impact and Reception
Today on streaming platforms, the track has accumulated several million listens, a sign of a positive reception from the public and his fans. The work has contributed to strengthening Stromae’s reputation as a sensitive and innovative songwriter.
The track “La solassitude” appears on the album Multitude, a project that achieved immense success with both critics and the public. The figures attest to this enthusiasm: this album was certified triple platinum in France with over 300,000 sales, while internationally, it had already exceeded 870,000 copies sold by the end of 2024.
Conclusion about the Song
“La solassitude” embodies Stromae’s talent for capturing complex emotion with a simple and effective structure. The alchemy between lyrics and melodies creates a track that is both danceable and melancholic, reflecting a universal emotional duality. This piece illustrates the artist’s ability to still surprise, while remaining true to his style.
Now check out the greatest French songs in our Top 100 at French Iceberg. What is your interpretation of the meaning of “La solassitude”? Let us know in the comments.