Arc de Triomphe Lyrics – Aminé

Arc de Triomphe Lyrics Meaning

[Intro: Mike Skinner]
This intro feels like a throwback to raw, underground music vibes. It’s got that pirate radio energy, like you’re tuning into something gritty and real. “Blinding with the lights” adds a flashy, rebellious touch—like stepping into a loud, chaotic scene with serious attitude.

[Chorus: Aminé & Mike Skinner]
Here, Aminé is basically checking people—asking what they’re really on, like what they stand for. He’s saying others burn bridges and aren’t loyal like his real friend Leon. Then he flips to a cheeky, confident line about wanting a woman with curves that stand out, comparing her back arch to the Arc de Triomphe—basically big, bold, and impressive. All that while vibing with the underground spirit mentioned in the background.

[Verse 1: Aminé]
He starts off playfully, referencing Jesus having dreads to justify his own style, and walks into a party with a cool greeting. He’s throwing shade at weak rappers and the people behind their image, saying he’s the real deal—an artist first and repping Portland proudly. Then he brags about pulling girls, starting from social media and ending with her chilling at his place. There’s humor in how casually he describes her chopping cucumbers, and a clever line about her skincare making his face glow like it’s ready for branding. He sees other rappers talking too much while their money’s stuck, and their reactions show they’re mad he’s succeeding. He flexes his name, even pointing out the accent on the “é” to stand out. Then he shows off his style with his own sneakers and a drink in hand, making a quiet jab at others who seem empty—in both their cups and lives.

[Chorus: Aminé & Mike Skinner]
Again, Aminé calls out people who are fake or messy, saying they’re nothing like his solid friend Leon. He repeats the line about wanting a woman with curves that stand out, tying it back to confidence and visual flair, all while keeping that raw underground energy alive in the background voice.

[Verse 2: Aminé]
He kicks it off by saying it’s impossible to imagine him broke—he’s too driven. He talks about working hard, even making a joke about getting a chiropractor from putting in so much effort. He tips big and throws playful warnings to others to watch what they say. He wants action, not talk. His money’s stacking, getting ridiculously tall—like an ostrich tall. He jokes about dancing in comfy shoes, showing he’s enjoying his wins. Then he makes it clear he didn’t come from wealth—no family handouts, so he’s all about getting paid properly. He sees people acting shady or fake, and says he’s ready to shut that down. He knows he’s hot right now, sarcastically asking where the A.C. is. He questions the people around him, like who even let them in, and ends by owning his success, being his own boss. Still, despite all the wins, he hints he’s been deep in thought lately.

[Chorus: Aminé & Mike Skinner]
Just like before, he’s calling people out for being disloyal and not matching the loyalty and vibe of his close circle. He keeps it cheeky with the line about the curvy woman, tying her shape to the bold, curved structure of the Arc de Triomphe—making it both a flex and a metaphor.