NINAO Lyrics in English by GIMS
Redoutable translates to "formidable" or "fearsome." It's a powerful adjective used to describe someone or something that inspires great respect, and often a little bit of fear.
In the song, GIMS boasts about his crew, saying, "Té-ma l'équipe, redoutable" (Check out the crew, formidable). He uses this strong word to paint a picture of an intimidating and highly respected group, adding to the track's confident and powerful vibe. It's a fantastic word to learn if you want to add some intensity to your French!
NINAO puts you right in the passenger seat of GIMS's high-speed, chaotic lifestyle. From the first line, heads turn and rivals stare: "Dès qu'j'arrive, ça regarde de travers" ("As soon as I arrive, they look at me sideways"). He moves around hooded because he is "trop cramé" (slang for "way too recognizable" or burnt out by fame), cruising in a black Ferrari ("Fé'Fé noire") with sky-blue brake calipers ("Étrier bleu ciel"). When he says "Ils font tous des petits pas / Dès qu'ils aperçoivent la guitare" ("They all take baby steps / As soon as they spot the guitar"), he uses "guitar" as street slang for a firearm, mocking enemies who suddenly back off when things get real.
Between dodging trouble and traveling nonstop, his personal life turns into collateral damage. He texts his partner "Mon amour j'vais rentrer tard" ("My love, I'm coming home late"), but his schedule is completely packed: "T'façon j'suis booké sur toute l'année" ("Anyway, I'm booked for the whole year"). He drops French street slang with "Té-ma l'équipe" (verlan slang where té-ma flips the verb mater, meaning "check out the crew") and flexes his nightlife credentials by boasting "J'connais la nuit comme les Guetta" ("I know the night like the Guettas"), nodding to famous French DJ David Guetta and his party scene. It is flashy, slightly reckless, and full of quick flings that leave "Encore un petit cœur à réparer" ("Another little heart to fix").
