Parler tout bas

"Parler tout bas" (English: "Speak Softly") is a song by French pop singer Alizée, released on 24 April 2001, as the third single from her debut studio album, Gourmandises (2000), through the label Polydor and Universal. The song was written and produced by Mylene Farmer and Laurent Boutonnat. Lyrically, it delves into the introspective journey of adolescence, capturing the delicate transition from childhood innocence to the complexities of young adulthood. It featured an instrumental rendition of the song in addition to Alizée's solo rendering.

Upon release, the single received moderate success, compared to previous singles such as "Moi... Lolita" or "L'Alizé". In France, the song peaked at #12 on the SNEP Singles Chart and secured the #59 position on the year-end chart for 2001 . In Belgium (Wallonia), it reached #15 on the Ultratop 50 chart, and in Taiwan, it climbed to #9 on the Hit FM Top 100 . The single was certified gold in France, with sales surpassing 144,000 copies. While it didn't replicate the massive success of her debut single "Moi... Lolita," "Parler tout bas" reinforced Alizée's presence in the early 2000s French pop scene. The song's introspective lyrics and emotive melody resonated with audiences, further establishing her as a prominent figure in Francophone pop music.

The music video for "Parler tout bas" adopts a more introspective and subdued tone compared to Alizée’s previous releases. It is set in a dimly lit bedroom and forest, beginning with Alizée lying alone in bed, which may suggest themes of isolation and personal reflection. Throughout the video, she is shown walking through a forest while holding a teddy bear, potentially symbolizing a connection to childhood. The visual style includes soft lighting and gradual transitions, aligning with the slower, more contemplative pace of the song. Alizée's expressions remain neutral and restrained, consistent with the song’s lyrical focus on introspection and emotional restraint.