3:33
single, 1954
Written by Hubert Giraud and Jean Dréjac, 1951
This torch song is a love letter to Paris. The song begins by evoking a song born out of a young man's heart, as Paris, of course, means romance. There are impressionist sketches a stereotypical Parisian scene. "Quelques rayons du ciel d'été / L'accordéon d'un marinier / L'espoir fleurit au ciel de Paris." Philosophers, lovers, tramps and beggars, all playing their part in the great city. In the end, Piaf apostrophizes the sky, saying the sky itself is in love with the city; indeed, rain is the sky's tears, due to its jealousy of all the lovers inhabiting Paris. But, "Quand elle lui sourit / Il met son habit bleu." It's quite mawkish and twee, but somehow, between Piaf's powerful voice and the history of Paris itself, the song works.