TRACK 4 OF 8
Performed by Marwan Abdelhamid
Written by Marwan Abdelhamid
Produced by Khalil Cherradi & Marwan Abdelhamid
Piano by Domenico Lorenzo "Buddy" Caderni
Saxophone by Mario Castro
Additional vocals by Zein Sajdi
5am in Paris marks the first in-person collaboration between Marwan and the main producer behind Deira, Khalil Cherradi. This pivotal meeting set the stage for a creative fusion, blending deep emotional narratives with the lively energy of club beats. Their shared experience of listening to Cheb Mami’s T’zaza during this initial encounter served as the spark for the track’s inspiration. Despite the controversies surrounding Mami, it was this song’s distinctive sonic qualities coupled with inspiration from Indian rhythms that captured their imagination and influenced the direction of 5am in Paris.
In many ways, 5 am in Paris was created during a distinct transitional phase for Marwan, where he would meet many of the creative forces in his life, from Khalil to Charaf Tajer (Casablanca’s creative director) and others. It also to some extent marks Marwan stepping into his recognition and reputation as an artist. The music video, shot in Morocco; directed by Carlos Ramirez, creative directed by SL’s creative director Pedro Damasceno, and produced by Marwan’s father, Rashid coupled with the track’s boldness, represent that journey.
The production journey of 5am in Paris saw Marwan and Khalil weaving Indian musical elements into the fabric of the track, aiming to capture a specific flow that mirrored these influences. This endeavor was further enriched by Khalil’s background and his previous work with TIF, which Marwan found compelling for its rhythmic sophistication. The decision to incorporate a “four-on-the-floor” beat was a strategic one, aimed at transforming the track into a more club-friendly tune without losing sight of its underlying melancholic themes.
This approach underscores Marwan’s intent to create a piece that juxtaposes the narrative of personal and emotional complexity with a production that invites movement and celebration. 5am in Paris uniquely captures the essence of displacement and longing through its lyrics, offering listeners a narrative that spans continents—from Paris to Algeria, Casablanca, and LA. The track articulates a sense of fragmented belonging, a theme that resonates deeply in its reflection on identity, relationships, and the search for home.
Pride in the track’s writing is evident, particularly in the nuanced portrayal of a divided existence—physically present in one place while emotionally tethered to many. 5am in Paris is the decisive product of Marwan and Khalil’s first collaborative venture, reflecting their ability to meld distinct musical styles—from Indian rhythms to club beats—into a coherent whole. This song stands as a testament to the dynamic synergy of their partnership, encapsulating the vibrancy of club music while engaging with the introspective and the personal, creating a space where listeners can find echoes of their own stories.
5 heures du matin
Je rentre chez moi
Mon corps à Paris
Mon coeur à Gaza
Mon âme à Algiers
Mon ex à Casa
Ma meuf à LA
Me prend dans ses bras
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
في عيلتي بالشرق
وصحابي بالغرب
وامي بالذات
متمسكة بالأرض
بتفاجا من حالي
لما في ضعط
بس عمري بنساش
تربايتي بالحرب
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
It's been calling my name
But I don't feel at home
Oh no
It's been calling my name
But I don't feel at home
Oh no
It's been calling my name
My name
It's been calling my name
My name
5 heures du matin
Je rentre chez moi
Mon corps à Paris
Mon coeur à Gaza
Mon âme à Algiers
Ma meuf à LA
Me prend dans ses bras
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
في عيلتي بالشرق
وصحابي بالغرب
وامي بالذات
متمسكة بالأرض
بتفاجا من حالي
لما في ضعط
بس عمري بنساش
تربايتي بالحرب
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
It's been calling my name
But I don't feel at home
Oh no
It's been calling my name
But I don't feel at home
Oh no
It's been calling my name
My name
It's been calling my name
My name
5 AM
5 heures du matin
5 صباحًا
I'm going home
Je rentre chez moi
أنا أعود إلى المنزل
My body in Paris
Mon corps à Paris
جسدي في باريس
My heart in Gaza
Mon coeur à Gaza
قلبي في غزة
My soul in Algiers
Mon âme à Algiers
روحي في الجزائر
My ex in Casa
Mon ex à Casa
حبيبي السابق في كازا
My girl in LA
Ma meuf à LA
حبيبتي في لوس أنجلوس
Takes me in her arms
Me prend dans ses bras
يحتضنني
I feel at home nowhere
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي في أي مكان
I feel at home nowhere
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي في أي مكان
My family in the east
في عيلتي بالشرق
Ma famille dans l'est
My friends in the west
وصحابي بالغرب
Mes amis dans l'ouest
And my mother in particular
وامي بالذات
Et ma mère en particulier
Sticking to the land
متمسكة بالأرض
Accrochée à la terre
Surprised by myself
بتفاجا من حالي
Surpris par moi-même
When under pressure
لما في ضعط
Quand sous pression
But I never forget
بس عمري بنساش
Mais je n'oublie jamais
My upbringing in the war
تربايتي بالحرب
Mon éducation dans la guerre
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
I feel at home nowhere
لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي في أي مكان
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
I feel at home nowhere
لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي في أي مكان
Elle appelait mon nom
كانت تناديني باسمي
It's been calling my name
Mais je ne me sens pas chez moi
لكنني لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي
But I don't feel at home
Oh non
يا لا
Oh no
Elle appelait mon nom
كانت تناديني باسمي
It's been calling my name
Mais je ne me sens pas chez moi
لكنني لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي
But I don't feel at home
Oh non
يا لا
Oh no
Elle appelait mon nom
كانت تناديني باسمي
It's been calling my name
Mon nom
اسمي
My name
Elle appelait mon nom
كانت تناديني باسمي
It's been calling my name
Mon nom
اسمي
My name
5 AM
5 heures du matin
5 صباحًا
I'm going home
Je rentre chez moi
أنا أعود إلى المنزل
My body in Paris
Mon corps à Paris
جسدي في باريس
My heart in Gaza
Mon coeur à Gaza
قلبي في غزة
My soul in Algiers
Mon âme à Algiers
روحي في الجزائر
My girl in LA
Ma meuf à LA
حبيبتي في لوس أنجلوس
Takes me in her arms
Me prend dans ses bras
يحتضنني
I feel at home nowhere
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي في أي مكان
I feel at home nowhere
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي في أي مكان
My family in the east
في عيلتي بالشرق
Ma famille dans l'est
My friends in the west
وصحابي بالغرب
Mes amis dans l'ouest
And my mother in particular
وامي بالذات
Et ma mère en particulier
Sticking to the land
متمسكة بالأرض
Accrochée à la terre
Surprised by myself
بتفاجا من حالي
Surpris par moi-même
When under pressure
لما في ضعط
Quand sous pression
But I never forget
بس عمري بنساش
Mais je n'oublie jamais
My upbringing in the war
تربايتي بالحرب
Mon éducation dans la guerre
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
I feel at home nowhere
لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي في أي مكان
Je me sens chez moi nulle part
I feel at home nowhere
لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي في أي مكان
Elle appelait mon nom
كانت تناديني باسمي
It's been calling my name
Mais je ne me sens pas chez moi
لكنني لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي
But I don't feel at home
Oh non
يا لا
Oh no
Elle appelait mon nom
كانت تناديني باسمي
It's been calling my name
Mais je ne me sens pas chez moi
لكنني لا أشعر بأنني في منزلي
But I don't feel at home
Oh non
يا لا
Oh no
Elle appelait mon nom
كانت تناديني باسمي
It's been calling my name
Mon nom
اسمي
My name
Elle appelait mon nom
كانت تناديني باسمي
It's been calling my name
Mon nom
اسمي
My name
