The Meaning Behind The Song: 3Sex by Indochine

In 2023, French rock band Indochine teamed up with Christine and the Queens to reimagine their 1986 hit “3e Sexe” as “3Sex.” This modern version keeps the original’s bold themes while adding fresh energy. The lyrics explore gender fluidity and LGBTQ+ liberation, making it a powerful anthem for today.

Featured on the album “3,” the track blends French and English lyrics. This mix bridges generations, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners. The song’s nostalgic yet contemporary sound pays homage to 1980s new wave while staying relevant.

The music video captures the essence of the era with retro visuals. It reinforces the song’s message of freedom and self-expression. For deeper insights into the lyrics, check out this detailed breakdown.

Key Takeaways

• A 2023 remake of Indochine’s 1986 classic “3e Sexe.”
• Features Christine and the Queens, adding modern flair.
• Lyrics focus on gender fluidity and LGBTQ+ themes.
• Part of the album “3,” blending French and English.
• Music video embraces 1980s new wave aesthetics.

Introduction to “3Sex by Indochine”

A groundbreaking collaboration brought together two legends of French music in 2023. Héloïse Letissier, the visionary artist behind Christine and the Queens, teamed up with Nicola Sirkis of the iconic band Indochine. Their remake of the 1986 hit became a bridge between generations.

Christine and the Queens had just released the *La vita nuova* EP, showcasing their genre-defying style. Meanwhile, Indochine’s status as pioneers of French new wave since the 1980s added depth to the project. The result was a track that honored the past while feeling undeniably fresh.

Director Colin Solal Cardo crafted a music video dripping with retro charm. Think neon lights, bold silhouettes, and a nod to 1980s aesthetics. Yet, the 2023 version stood apart with polished production, contrasting the original’s raw energy.

• Historic Pairing: A rare fusion of French music icons from different eras.
• Modern Touch: Christine’s *La vita nuova* projects influenced the track’s avant-garde edge.
• Visual Storytelling: Cardo’s direction made the video a nostalgic yet contemporary masterpiece.

Nicola Sirkis’ vocals, still powerful decades later, anchored the song. Its release timing—amid global conversations about gender identity—made it resonate even deeper.

Exploring the Lyrics of “3Sex”

Blending French and English, the song’s words challenge traditional gender norms. Each line dances between languages, creating a universal message about identity. The duality reflects the very themes of fluidity it celebrates.

Breaking Down the English and French Lyrics

Phrases like “A feminine boy / A masculine girl” dismantle binary thinking. The French verse “cheveux longs, cheveux blonds colorés” (long hair, dyed-blond hair) paints vivid imagery of self-expression. Meanwhile, “Dressed like my fiancée / Maquillé comme mon fiancé” flips societal expectations with poetic precision.

Repetition of “We take each other’s hand” becomes a rallying cry. It’s a metaphor for solidarity, echoing LGBTQ+ unity. For deeper translations, explore this lyric breakdown.

The Message Behind the Words

“Asexual when stripped” confronts labels, suggesting identity transcends physicality. The defiant chorus—“I don’t want to see her/him naked”—asserts body autonomy. It’s a rejection of objectification, a theme new wave artists often explored.

French references to “conquistador” contrast with English translations, highlighting cultural perceptions. The track’s boldness mirrors the rebellious spirit of 1980s music, yet feels urgent today.

• Bilingual Depth: Lyrics bridge cultures, amplifying universal struggles.
• Symbolic Imagery: Hand-holding as resistance; clothing as identity.
• Timeless Relevance: Themes of freedom resonate across decades.

The Collaboration: Indochine and Christine and the Queens

French music history was rewritten with this unexpected collaboration. Nicola Sirkis and Héloïse Letissier merged their distinct styles, creating a track that blurred generational and genre lines.

Two Icons of French Music Unite

Letissier, the artist behind Christine and the Queens, brought avant-garde flair. Their work on *La vita nuova* EP showcased a fearless approach to identity—a perfect match for Sirkis’ rock roots.

The synergy was undeniable. Sirkis’ raspy vocals contrasted with Letissier’s fluid delivery, embodying the song’s themes. Fans praised the pairing as a “masterstroke of musical alchemy.”

“We wanted to honor the past while making something utterly now. The black-and-white aesthetic was our love letter to the ’80s.”

The Music Video: A Nostalgic Tribute

The video drips with 1980s nostalgia. Monochrome cinematography echoes New Order’s “Round and Round,” while minimalist sets reflect the lyrics’ “iron box” metaphor.

Choreography blends Indochine’s sharp rock movements with Letissier’s contemporary grace. The absence of color underscores the timelessness of its message.

Cardo’s direction updated classic tropes for modern audiences. Industrial lighting and stark shadows created a cinematic depth rarely seen in music videos today.

The Cultural Impact of “3Sex”

From its 1985 debut to the 2023 remake, this song has mirrored society’s shifting views on identity. Originally a taboo-breaker, it’s now a rallying cry for LGBTQ+ rights. The collaboration with Christine and the Queens amplified its message, blending French new wave roots with modern pop sensibilities.

Streaming platforms introduced the track to younger audiences, reigniting interest in 1980s classics. Its inclusion in Indochine’s album “3” created a bridge between eras. The lyrics’ bold themes resonate strongly in the U.S., where gender discussions dominate cultural conversations.

The music video’s retro-futuristic style pays homage to the past while feeling fresh. As attitudes evolve, the song stands as proof of art’s power to challenge norms. Its legacy will likely inspire future Franco-American collaborations.