Patrick Watson‘s “Je Te laisserai Des Mots” Becomes global Phenomenon, Driven by TikTok and Streaming
The melancholic French ballad “Je Te Laisserai Des Mots” by Canadian artist Patrick Watson has transcended its origins to become a worldwide sensation, largely propelled by the viral nature of TikTok and the expansive reach of streaming platforms. The song’s unexpected journey to global fame highlights a shift in the music industry, where unconventional hits can now achieve massive success outside traditional radio play.Watson himself admits to finding the sheer scale of the song’s popularity arduous to comprehend. “I find such huge numbers hard to digest,” he stated, noting that the song is now far more recognizable than he is. He recounts instances where people, upon seeing his name, fail to connect him with the widely popular track. “I might be renting skis or something and they’ll see the name and go: ‘Oh, you have the same name as the singer.’ I’m like: ‘It’s me!’ And they don’t believe me.”
the song’s ascent began with a important presence on TikTok, where it has been featured in approximately 200,000 videos, accumulating over 60 billion plays on the platform. This digital virality has translated into unprecedented streaming numbers,with “Je Te Laisserai Des Mots” becoming the first French-language song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. This achievement marks a significant milestone,demonstrating the power of new media in shaping musical success.
Mélanie vaugeois, a violinist who has collaborated with Watson for 15 years as part of his string quartet, shared insights into the song’s creation and its unexpected trajectory. The quartet, affectionately nicknamed “Mommies on the Run” by Watson during their early touring days when their children were young, developed a close bond with the artist. Vaugeois described their creative process, including improvisational sessions at Watson’s home, where the genesis of “Je Te Laisserai Des Mots” occurred.
“One night Patrick said: ‘I have a French song. What do you think of my accent?'” Vaugeois recalled. Despite watson’s proficiency in french, his pronunciation in the song contained charming imperfections that he chose to retain. The recording session, fueled by jameson whiskey, was a memorable experience, with the musicians struggling to find the right notes before a breakthrough moment. Vaugeois noted the song’s unconventional rhythm, which she believes contributes to its unique appeal.”There’s almost no rhythm to Je Te Laisserai Des Mots, which again is part of the charm,” she explained.
The song’s emotional resonance during the pandemic, a period of widespread loneliness, is also credited with its widespread appeal. Vaugeois first realized the song’s immense popularity when her children began using it on TikTok. “I went: ‘That’s my quartet!’ They couldn’t believe it. They told me: ‘That song’s everywhere.'”
Watson’s generosity extends to his collaborators; even though not contractually obligated, he annually provides his string quartet with a symbolic payment as a token of his gratitude. Vaugeois highlighted this gesture as a testament to his respect for their collective contribution to the song’s creation.
Patrick Watson’s new album, “uh Oh,” is scheduled for release in the UK on September 26th, with a London performance at the Troxy on November 7th.
