MONTREAL — Powered by TikTok, the song Je te laisseai des mots by Quebecer Patrick Watson has become the first French-language song to surpass 1 billion listens on Spotify, the streaming platform announced Tuesday.
“It’s a dizzying number,” Canadian singer-songwriter Patrick Watson posted on Facebook on Wednesday. “It’s a huge number, almost impossible to comprehend.”
“I grew up in Montreal and am extremely proud that a French song has crossed the language barrier,” continued Patrick Watson. The Quebec artist thus ranks ahead of other French-speaking artists with global influence, such as the Belgian Stromae or the Franco-Malian Aya Nakamura.
Patrick Watson, represented by the Montreal independent label Secret City Records, composed this song almost 15 years ago, for the film Mothers and Daughters with Catherine Deneuve released in 2009.
The piano-vocal song saw renewed interest in 2019 on YouTube in a video pairing the melody with archival footage.
The melancholic anthem was then used to accompany scenes of everyday life in tens of thousands of videos on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic, with users adding melodrama to snippets of their everyday lives.
Celebrities like Justin Bieber also helped make the song popular among a wide audience.
“The modern pop song is now the soundtrack to people’s home movies,” Watson told the Canadian newspaper Globe and Mail in 2022, speaking of its viral popularity.
“The modern hit is the song that makes your daily life more interesting and romantic” on social networks, he added.
Je te laisserai des mots was the most-streamed French-language song worldwide on Spotify over the past 12 months, the platform announced in September, surpassing tracks like Stromae’s Alors on danse.
This milestone achievement for Patrick Watson and his song is not only a testament to his talent as a musician, but also a reflection of the power of social media and the global reach of music. With the help of TikTok, a platform known for its viral trends and catchy music, Je te laisserai des mots has captured the hearts of listeners from all over the world.
The song’s success is also a celebration of the French language and its ability to transcend borders and connect people. As the first French-language song to reach 1 billion listens on Spotify, Je te laisserai des mots has broken barriers and opened doors for other French-speaking artists to gain recognition on a global scale.
Patrick Watson’s music has always been known for its emotional depth and ability to resonate with listeners. With Je te laisserai des mots, he has once again captured the hearts of millions with his hauntingly beautiful melody and poignant lyrics. The song’s popularity on TikTok is a testament to its relatability and ability to evoke emotions in people from all walks of life.
In addition to its success on streaming platforms, Je te laisserai des mots has also been featured in popular American TV series such as Grey’s Anatomy and The Walking Dead. This further highlights the song’s universal appeal and its ability to touch the hearts of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Patrick Watson and his eponymous band have been making music for over a decade and have gained a loyal fan base in Canada and beyond. Their talent and hard work have been recognized with the prestigious Canadian Polaris Music Prize in 2007. With Je te laisserai des mots, they have reached new heights and solidified their place in the music industry.
As we continue to navigate through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, music has been a source of comfort and escape for many. Je te laisserai des mots has provided a soundtrack for people’s daily lives, bringing a sense of romance and nostalgia to even the most mundane moments. Its popularity on TikTok has also brought people together, creating a sense of community and connection during a time of isolation.
In conclusion, the success of Je te laisserai des mots is a testament to the power of music and its ability to transcend language and cultural barriers. It is a celebration of French music and its global influence, and a reminder of the impact that social media can have on the music industry. Congratulations to Patrick Watson and his team for this incredible achievement, and may Je te laisserai des mots continue to touch the hearts of listeners for years to come.
