Aya Nakamura’s ‘Cadeau’ mixes bold storytelling with a rhythmic Afrobeat flair. The lyrics writer pens a confident anthem, while Shiruken Music and Eric Chevet create a melody that’s both catchy and fierce. Featured on the album ‘DNK,’ the song sets a tone of self-assurance and independence.
Released: January 27, 2023
Cadeau
Aya Nakamura • From “DNK”
Lyricist
Aya Nakamura, Hard Level & Others
Composer
Shiruken Music, Eric Chevet & Others
Cadeau Lyrics Translation (from “DNK”)
Aya Nakamura describes a relationship where love feels one-sided, comparing it to being treated like a ‘free gift.’ She talks about keeping her guard up and finding balance, saying, ‘You’ve got to find some balance, darling, keep it in check.’ The performer uses sharp lines to call out toxic behavior and highlight her emotional strength.
T’sais comment, comment faireYou know how, you know how to do it.
Tu sais comment, comment faireYou know how, you know how to do it.
Tout sur moi t’as commentéYou’ve shared your thoughts on everything about me.
On dirait qu’t’es fascinéIt seems like you’re completely fascinated.
J’me fous d’tes commentairesI don’t care about your opinions,
Je sais que t’es faiblebecause I know that you’re weak.
Toi, t’aimes trop la chairYou’re far too obsessed with the physical,
J’me méfie mon cherso I’m keeping my guard up, my dear.
Enlover, mon cœur il veut enloverDetaching from love, my heart wants to break free.
Pas si viteNot so fast,
Ça a pas commencéit hasn’t even begun.
Ah, cadeau, il me voulait cadeauAh, he wanted me like a free gift.
Il faut doser, chéri faut doserYou’ve got to find some balance, darling, keep it in check.
Et j’sais même plus comment faut si prendre pour lui offrir un cadeauI don’t even know how to go about giving her a gift,
Qu’elle m’fasse un câlinjust to get her to hold me.
Il faut éliminer ces microbes qui sont en manque de buzz et qui nous cherchent des palabresWe’ve got to get rid of these ‘microbes’ [toxic people] who are chasing clout and looking for trouble.
Quand tes yeux sont rivés sur oim, tu sais, j’ai du mal à m’exprimerWhen your eyes are fixed on me, you know I find it hard to speak.
Et ces b#tards se prennent pour des G, alors qu’ils ne peuvent pas t’assumerAnd these b#tards think they’re real men, even though they can’t handle you.
À la fin tu leur disais « basta », j’leur ai dit « basta »In the end, you told them ‘enough,’ and I told them ‘enough.’
Toi, t’étais pas trop concentréYou just weren’t focused enough.
T’étais pas concentréYou just weren’t focused.
Ah, cadeau, il me voulait cadeauAh, he wanted me like a free gift.
Il faut doser, chéri faut doserYou’ve got to find some balance, darling, keep it in check.
Tu t’plains, bah, dis donc, fallait réfléchir avantYou’re complaining? Well, you should’ve thought about it before.
Igo, c’est plus évident, bah, ouais, moi, j’suis plus dedansBrother, it’s not so simple anymore, yeah, I’m just not into it.
Igo, igo, faut qu’on s’écoute, faut qu’on s’poseBrother, brother, we need to listen and find some peace.
Oublie pas quand tu m’tournais l’dosDon’t forget the times you turned your back on me.
Fallait réfléchir avantYou should’ve thought about it before.
Basta, j’t’avais dit « basta », toi, t’étais pas trop concentréEnough, I told you ‘enough,’ you just weren’t focused enough.
T’étais pas concentréYou just weren’t focused.
Ah, cadeau, il me voulait cadeauAh, he wanted me like a free gift.
Il faut doser, chéri faut doserYou’ve got to find some balance, darling, keep it in check.
The lyrics of ‘Cadeau’ address self-worth and emotional independence. Aya Nakamura delivers a powerful message in this standout track from her album ‘DNK.’
