L’Hippopodame

Song Meaning

Serge Gainsbourg's "L'Hippopodame" isn't just a song; it's a sly, tongue-in-cheek ode to a Rubenesque woman, thick with wordplay and double entendre. The title itself, a portmanteau of "hippopotame" (hippopotamus) and "dame" (lady), immediately sets the stage for a celebration of a woman who defies conventional beauty standards. Gainsbourg, ever the provocateur, isn't interested in delicate flowers; he's drawn to a woman of substance, a woman with curves and presence. The repeated line, "C'est un Rubens, c'est une hippopodame," reinforces this idea, comparing her to the full-figured women immortalized in Rubens' paintings. The recurring phrase "avec un D comme dans..." (with a D like in...) is a key element of the song's humor and meaning. It's a playful exploration of language, where the letter "D" is used to create suggestive puns and innuendos. "Marshmallow" hints at her softness and sweetness, while "Vas-y, molo" (take it easy) suggests a certain intensity to their encounters. The line "C'est pas une mince affaire, cette hippopodame" (This hippopotamus is no small matter) underscores the overwhelming nature of his attraction, a force that he both relishes and perhaps finds slightly daunting. The reference to "gigolo" hints at a reversal of traditional gender roles, suggesting that he is, in some ways, dependent on her. Ultimately, "L'Hippopodame" is more than just a bawdy romp. It's a commentary on societal ideals of beauty and a celebration of the unconventional. Gainsbourg, through his clever wordplay and appreciation for this full-figured woman, subverts expectations and champions a different kind of allure. The song, in its playful and suggestive manner, explores themes of desire, power dynamics, and the liberating joy of embracing one's own unique attractions, regardless of societal norms. It's a testament to Gainsbourg's ability to find beauty and humor in the unexpected, and to challenge the listener's own perceptions of what is desirable.