"Pas d'ami (comme toi)" is a 1991 pop rock song recorded by Swiss singer Stephan Eicher. Written by Philippe Djian and composed by Eicher, it was released in December 1991 as the second single from his sixth studio album Engelberg, on which it appears as the second track. It became a top ten hit in France.
Lyrics Written by Philippe Djian, "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" tells the story of a man who wonders about his powerful feelings for a friend. Indeed, the song's lyrics suggest that the narrator looks at this friend with love because he is attracted by his legs and his hair, and disturbed by his perfume and his hands when he touches him; however, his friend seems not to notice this situation. In fact, the narrator is referring to a man, which cannot be discerned orally, since the word "friend" (in French, "ami" without an "e") is spelled in its masculine grammatical form; therefore, although the song is often seen as a hymn to bromance between two men, it also seems to be about homosexuality. This interpretation is possible, as Djian had previously said that he had a gay brother and that he loved him; in addition, according to Eicher, this ambiguous text led to rumours about his sexuality.
In 2021, on the Ascension day, French priest Laurent referred to "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" as he considered that the song's lyrics are appropriate to express his ties with Jesus Christ.
"Pas d'ami (comme toi)" was later re-recorded in a new version with a choir composed of inhabitants of the town in the Camargue where Eicher has a house.
Chart performance In France, "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" debuted at number 37 on the chart edition of 28 December 1991, climbed quickly and entered the top ten four weeks later, and reached its highest position, number seven, in its eighth week; then it did not stop to drop and remained for 14 weeks in the top 50. On the European Hot 100 Singles, it debuted at number 90 on 25 January 1991, reached a peak of number 37 in the sixth week, and fell off the top 100 after nine weeks of presence.
Track listings
CD maxi, CD maxi France (Stephan Eicher – "Pas d'ami (comme toi)") (accessdate: 20 September 2021). "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" – 3:29 "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" (demo October 1990) – 3:10 "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" (instrumental) – 3:49
7" single, 7" single France (Stephan Eicher – "Pas d'ami (comme toi)") (accessdate: 20 September 2021)., 7" single Germany (Stephan Eicher – "Pas d'ami (comme toi)") (accessdate: 20 September 2021). "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" – 3:29 "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" (demo October 1990) – 3:10
Cassette, Cassette France (Stephan Eicher – "Pas d'ami (comme toi)") (accessdate: 20 September 2021). "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" – 3:29 "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" (demo October 1990) – 3:10
12" single – Promo – France, 12" single Promo France (Stephan Eicher – "Pas d'ami (comme toi)") (accessdate: 20 September 2021). "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" – 3:29
CD single – Promo – Canada, CD single Promo Canada (Stephan Eicher – "Pas d'ami (comme toi)") (accessdate: 20 September 2021). "Pas d'ami (comme toi)" – 3:37
Personnel Bass – Pino Palladino Drums – Manu Katché Executive-Producer – Martin Hess Guitar – Max Lässer Lyrics – Philippe Djian Music, vocals, 12-string acoustic guitar, electric guitar – Stephan Eicher Piano, organ [Hammond B3] – Simon Clark Producers – Dominique Blanc-Francard, Stephan Eicher
Charts Chart (1991–1992)PeakpositionEurope (European Hot 100)37France (Airplay Chart [AM & FM Stations])1scope="row"Québec (Francophone chart)10
Release history Country Date Format Label France 1991 CD maxi Barclay 7" single Cassette Promotional 12" single Germany 7" single Canada 1992 Promotional CD single
References