Beach House

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Seven girls
Seven girls at the end of day
She who sings
She who prays
Side by side
In a line
See their eyes

[Verse 2]
Eyes that show
Eyes that show what's you
True today
Seven ways
Eyes that shine
Silent skies
Show a way

[Verse 3]
What is you
Where is she today
Saw my girl
From within
She who sways
She who spins
Seventh girl
[Verse 4]
Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept
Toutes les filles ne sont pas prêtes
Vers l'église et vers la Seine
Toute leurs cœurs et toute leur peine

[Verse 5]
Petit ange et l'inconnue
Sainte, la pute et l'ingénue
Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept
Toutes les filles ne sont pas prêtes

[Chorus]
Little girl, you could be loved
Little girl, you should be loved
The moment you say you know
Is the moment you are

Little girl, you could be loved
Little girl, you should be loved
The moment you say you know
Is the moment you are

[Verse 4]
Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept
Toutes les filles ne sont pas prêtes
Vers l'église et vers la Seine
Toute leurs cœurs et toute leur peine
[Verse 5]
Petit ange et l'inconnue
Sainte, la pute et l'ingénue
Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept
Toutes les filles ne sont pas prêtes

Beach House is known for their dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes, and their song "L'Inconnue" is no exception. Released on their seventh album simply titled "7," the track stands out as the first song sung in French by Victoria Legrand, who was born in Paris.

The title of the song, "L'Inconnue," translates to "the unknown" in English and carries an air of mystery and intrigue. While some may assume that the song is directly inspired by the haunting story of "L'Inconnue de la Seine," a death mask found in the late 1800s in Paris, Legrand clarified in a Noisey interview that the song's lyrics were written before she even knew about the story. She described the connection as "another weird, eerie spooky thing."

Interestingly, the number seven appears to hold significance for Beach House on their seventh album, "7." Prior to the release of this album, the band had a discography containing 77 songs. In "L'Inconnue," the number seven explicitly comes up through the mention of seven girls in the lyrics, adding to the mystique and enigmatic nature of the song.

Part of "L'Inconnue" had actually made an appearance in a track for the short film "This Must Be the Only Fantasy" back in 2013. In an interview with Stereogum, Legrand revealed that the writing process for this song started years ago and that it never found its right moment until the world of "7" with its futuristic, psychedelic, and sacred universe made it fit.

Intriguing Origins and Enigmatic Lyrics

While "L'Inconnue" may not be directly inspired by the story of "L'Inconnue de la Seine," it certainly adds to the sense of intrigue surrounding the song. The death mask of an unknown woman found in the Seine River in the late 1800s became a popular decoration in Paris. Victoria Legrand's use of the French word for "the unknown" in the song's title creates an eerie parallel to this historical enigma.

With its ethereal melodies and Legrand's mesmerizing vocals, "L'Inconnue" takes listeners on a haunting journey. The lyrics, sung in French, add an additional layer of mystery and depth to the song. While the specific meaning may not be clear, the words evoke a sense of longing and contemplation.

Describing the song's atmosphere in an interview, Legrand noted that "7" has a kind of futuristic, psychedelic, and sacred universe, and "L'Inconnue" fits perfectly within this sonic landscape. The dreamlike quality of the music complements the enigmatic nature of the lyrics, creating a mesmerizing experience for the listener.

An Enchanting Addition to Beach House's Discography

Beach House has established themselves as masters of crafting atmospheric soundscapes that transport listeners to another world. "L'Inconnue" is a perfect example of their ability to create music that captivates and enchants.

With its blend of French lyrics, haunting melodies, and intricate layers of instrumentation, the song stands out as a unique piece within Beach House's discography. The band's exploration of new territory by incorporating the French language adds a fresh element to their sound, showcasing their artistic growth and versatility.

Listeners who are drawn to atmospheric and introspective music will find themselves immersed in the ethereal world of "L'Inconnue." The combination of Victoria Legrand's hypnotic vocals and the band's lush instrumentation creates a captivating sonic landscape that invites repeated listens.

Whether you're familiar with the story of "L'Inconnue de la Seine" or hearing it for the first time, Beach House's "L'Inconnue" offers a thought-provoking and introspective musical experience. It's a song that invites you to delve into its mysterious depths and lose yourself in its enchanting melodies.

With "L'Inconnue," Beach House once again proves their ability to create music that resonates on a deep emotional level. The song's enigmatic origins, ethereal sound, and captivating lyrics make it a standout track on their seventh album, "7."

So sit back, close your eyes, and let Beach House's "L'Inconnue" transport you to a realm of the unknown and leave you with a sense of wonder and intrigue.

• Release Date: May 11, 2018
• Artist: Beach House