Lyrics & Translation
Christophe Maé's "Il est où le bonheur" invites listeners on a journey of introspection about the nature of happiness. Through its relatable lyrics and melodies, the song offers a nuanced perspective on life's experiences and the quiet presence of joy, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the simple moments that often define contentment.
Where is happiness? Where is it? Where is it?
I made love, I begged on the streets
I was waiting to be happy
I wrote songs, I had children
I did my best
I sulked, I pretended
Doing the best we can
I looked like a fool, it's true, I partied yeah
I thought I was happy
But there are all these nights without friends
When no one rings and comes by
Those Sunday nights alone
Like a fool in the bath
Trying to drown it but it floats
That damn sadness, so
I sing my best notes and tomorrow it'll get better
Where is happiness? Where is it? Where is it?
Where is happiness? Where is it? Where is it?
Happiness is there, it’s there, it’s there
Happiness is there, it’s there, it’s there
I courted, I put on a show
I was waiting to be happy
I played the clown, it’s true, and I did nothing
But things don't get better
I did some good, I made mistakes
Doing the best we can
I did crazy things, I laughed till I cried, yeah
I thought I was happy, but
There are all these Christmas nights
Where we smile politely
To protect us from cruel life
All those children's laughs
And those empty chairs reminding us
Of what life takes from us, so
I sing my sweetest notes
Things were better before
Where is happiness? Where is it? Where is it?
Where is happiness? Where is it? Where is it?
Happiness is there, it’s there, it’s there
Happiness is there, it’s there, it’s there
Happiness is like a candle
Don’t laugh too loud, or you'll blow it out
We want happiness, yes, we want it
Everyone wants to reach it
But happiness is silent, no
It doesn’t make a sound, no, it makes no sound
Happiness is silly, yeah
Because often afterward we realize it was there
Where is happiness? Where is it? Where is it?
Where is happiness? Where is it? Where is it?
Happiness is there, it’s there, it’s there
Happiness is there, it’s there, it’s there
Oh but where is happiness? Where is happiness?
Where is it? Where is it?
Oh but where is happiness?
Mmm, but it is there, happiness is there, it’s there, it’s there
But it’s actually there, yeah, happiness is there, it’s there, it’s there
Key Vocabulary
| Vocabulary | Meanings |
|---|---|
|
bonheur /bɔ.nœʁ/ A2 |
|
|
heureux /øʁø/ A2 |
|
|
chanson /ʃɑ̃sɔ̃/ A2 |
|
|
fête /fɛt/ A2 |
|
|
amour /a.muʁ/ A2 |
|
|
rire /ʁiʁ/ A2 |
|
|
feu /fø/ A2 |
|
|
mieux /mjø/ A2 |
|
|
jour /ʒuʁ/ A2 |
|
|
vie /vi/ A2 |
|
|
rêve /ʁɛv/ B1 |
|
|
tout /tu/ A2 |
|
|
parler /paʁ.le/ B1 |
|
Are there any new words in “Il est où le bonheur” you don’t know yet?
💡 Hint: bonheur, heureux… Jump into the app and start learning now!
Key Grammar Structures
-
Il est où le bonheur?
➔ Interrogative structure
➔ The phrase "Il est où" is used to ask about the location of something, in this case, "le bonheur" (happiness).
-
J'ai fait l'amour, j'ai fait la manche.
➔ Past tense (passé composé)
➔ The use of "J'ai fait" indicates actions completed in the past, using the auxiliary verb "avoir".
-
On fait comme on peut.
➔ Impersonal subject (On)
➔ The word "On" is used as an impersonal subject, meaning 'we' or 'people' in general.
-
C'est con le bonheur.
➔ Use of 'C'est' for identification
➔ The phrase "C'est" is used to identify or define something, in this case, 'happiness'.
-
Il est là l'bonheur.
➔ Use of 'Il est' for existence
➔ The phrase "Il est là" indicates the existence or presence of something, in this case, 'happiness'.
-
Tout le monde veut l'atteindre.
➔ Use of 'tout le monde' for generalization
➔ The phrase "Tout le monde" means 'everyone', used to generalize the statement about wanting happiness.
-
C'est souvent après qu'on sait.
➔ Use of 'C'est' with adverbial clause
➔ The phrase "C'est souvent après" introduces a temporal clause, indicating that something is often realized after a certain time.
Album: L'ATTRAPE-RÊVES
Same Singer
Tombé sous le charme
Christophe Maé
Belle Demoiselle
Christophe Maé
On S'Attache
Christophe Maé
Dingue, Dingue, Dingue
Christophe Maé
Je Me Lâche
Christophe Maé
Related Songs
