Stromae slips into character and unleashes a playful rant in “Tous Les Mêmes,” turning a classic lovers’ quarrel into a sharp social satire. From the very first line the singer, speaking through the voice of a frustrated girlfriend, fires off a list of accusations: men are macho but cheap, weak, unfaithful, painfully predictable. Each complaint is punctuated by the recurring shout of “Rendez-vous au prochain règlement” (“See you at the next fight”), hinting that this showdown is only one episode in an endless cycle of bickering. The lively hip-hop beat keeps things light, yet the lyrics expose deeper issues like gender stereotypes, double standards in parenting, and the pressure on women to stay forever model-perfect.
Under the sarcasm lies a clever mirror: Stromae is really poking fun at how both partners recycle the same clichés. By switching perspectives and exaggerating every grievance—men who vanish when it is time to raise kids, women accused of nagging about “ragnagnas” (slang for periods)—the song suggests that no one wins the blame game. The repeated chant “Tous les mêmes, y’en a marre” (“All the same, fed up with it”) becomes both a complaint and a confession, reminding listeners that relationships often get stuck in predictable patterns. It is a humorous, catchy wake-up call to break the loop, laugh at ourselves, and maybe talk things out before the next “rendez-vous.”
Paul Van Haver, known by his stage name Stromae, is a Belgian singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer born in 1985 in Brussels. His unique sound blends hip-hop and electronic music, captivating audiences across Europe and beyond. Stromae rose to international fame with his 2009 hit "Alors on danse," which topped charts in several countries.
His 2013 album Racine carrée was a major success, featuring hit singles like "Papaoutai" and "Formidable," and selling millions of copies. Renowned for his artistic music videos and thoughtful lyrics, Stromae stands out as a creative force in modern Francophone music. He continues to innovate while drawing on diverse influences, from hip-hop to electronic and world music.