Lara Fabian Papillon

What’s this: “Papillon”, the latest single from Luxembourg’s Eurovision 1988 singer Lara Fabian.

When did it drop? “Papillon” (Butterfly) fluttered onto all major music platforms on Friday, 5 October. It’s the first cut from Lara’s 14th LP which is pegged for a 2019 release.

Tell us more: After a dalliance with darker themes on 2017’s English-language Camouflage album, “Papillon” sees the “I Will Love Again” hitmaker return to her go-to genre – French chansons. It may not exude quite the same warmth as 2015’s “Quand je ne chante pas”, but Lara’s current effort is not without its charms.

The mid-tempo number contemplates life and its fleeting nature. Does anyone notice the singer? Would she have been better off to live for just one day as a butterfly?

“I know / I could have been a butterfly / I would have lived / One day”, she sings, “I fly… steal / … / I’d watch the earth / Would appreciate its beauty”.

What about the music video? The simple clip interprets the life cycle of the song’s namesake. Initially, Lara is wrapped in a white garment – cocoon like. The colour scheme is a cold blue. Like a butterfly, she emerges from her symbolic chrysalis transformed. Draped in a black gown, Lara floats before a background of warm reds, oranges and pinks.

Lara Fabian “Papillon” (Butterfly) — OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Lara Fabian at Eurovision 1988: Keen to build upon its five victories, Luxembourg internally selected Belgian-born Lara to sing “Croire” in Dublin. The entry proved popular on the night, securing three sets of 12 points. However, victory belonged to another French-language entry, sung by one Céline Dion representing Switzerland. “Croire” came fourth. It would be Luxembourg’s last top ten result before its long-term withdrawal following the 1993 contest.

What’s she been up to since? Thirty years later, Lara Fabian remains one of the contest’s greatest success stories. After a string of hits in French-speaking territories, her international breakthrough came in 2000. Her debut English single “To Love Again” charted worldwide, peaking at 32 on America’s Billboard Hot 100.

The music continues to this day. In 2015, she participated in Italy’s famous Sanremo festival . And last year, she released her 13th studio album Camouflage. A Canadian citizen since 1996, she was a coach on the most recent series of The Voice Quebec.

What do you think of “Papillon”? Let us know in the comments below.

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Wilfried
Wilfried
5 years ago

It’s nice that you keep us updated with what the past participants (even from decades ago) have been doing. Keep up the good work ????

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago

Céline Dion also has a song called Papillon.

Nikki
Nikki
5 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

well, Butterflies are a nice, common, simbology, I know at least three other songs named Butterfly (ies) in as much different countries. I even think Belarus had a song named Butterflies few years ago

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Jamala recently have a song out called “Krylya”, the same title from last year’s winning JESC entry from Russia.