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Hip-hop, pop, dance - the common point is melancholy. That's international, and I like this word because it's not only about sadness or happiness - it's both at the same time. And that's human, and that's life.
Stromae
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the duality of emotions expressed in music, highlighting how both sadness and happiness coexist in the human experience.

In this quote, Stromae articulates the complex nature of human emotions as reflected in various music genres. He suggests that melancholy serves as a common thread among hip-hop, pop, and dance music, indicating that these genres capture the intertwined feelings of joy and sorrow. This duality is an essential part of life and resonates universally, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human experiences.

Themes

MusicMelancholyEmotionHuman ExperienceDuality

In practice

Example use cases

During a music festival speech about the power of songs to express diverse emotions.

More from Stromae

I prefer to talk about our problems, to be proud of them, in place of trying to hide them. Because you can't. And I prefer to dance, to smile on it, to laugh on it.
StromaeRead

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