The Genius English translation of Stromae & Pomme's "Ma Meilleure Ennemie" aims to capture the complex and contradictory emotions of a tumultuous relationship. The translation's strength lies in its ability to convey the nuanced meaning of the French lyrics while maintaining a natural flow in English. Here's a breakdown of the thought process behind the translation choices:

• The Repetitive Intro and Outro: The repeated "I love you, I hate you" perfectly encapsulates the central theme of the song – the paradoxical love-hate relationship. The translation wisely chooses to retain this repetition, emphasizing the cyclical and unresolved nature of their feelings. It sets the stage immediately for the internal conflict to be explored.

• Verse 1 (Stromae): The translation accurately reflects Stromae's internal struggle. Phrases like "the worst of all blessings" and "the best of all curses" effectively convey the paradoxical nature of their connection. The inclusion of the proverb "Better than alone, is to be in bad company" adds depth, suggesting a self-awareness of the destructive nature of the relationship, yet an inability to escape it.

• Pre-Chorus (Stromae & Pomme): The translation cleverly uses the juxtaposition of "dearest friends" and "adversaries" to highlight the ironic closeness between the two despite the animosity. It translates the French idiom effectively, conveying the idea that sometimes those who cause us the most pain are also those closest to us.

• Chorus (Stromae & Pomme): The translation aptly captures the ambiguity of the title "My Best Enemy." The repeated lines "Flee from me, the worst is you and I" emphasizes the self-destructive nature of the relationship, recognizing the toxic dynamic yet struggling to break free.

• Verse 2 (Pomme): Pomme's verse explores the confusing emotional response to the other person's presence. The translator successfully captures the internal conflict between hatred and "pure sweetness," illustrating the conflicting emotions that define this relationship.

• Pre-Chorus (Pomme): Pomme's pre-chorus offers advice, a warning against dwelling on the past. The translator accurately conveys the idea that lingering on past hurts only prolongs the suffering.

• Overall Tone: The translation maintains the song's melancholic yet passionate tone. It avoids overly simplistic or cliché language, opting for words and phrasing that reflect the complexity of the emotional landscape.

In summary, the Genius translation of "Ma Meilleure Ennemie" is a successful rendering of the original French lyrics. It accurately conveys the core message of the song while maintaining a poetic and emotionally resonant feel in English. The translator's choices reflect a deep understanding of the subtleties of both languages and the nuances of the emotional turmoil expressed in the song. The key is its faithfulness to the original's meaning while also being natural and readable in English.