One of the most famous french songs of all time, La vie en rose still defines France. Sung by the legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf, this iconic song has stood the test of time, becoming an enduring symbol of love and joy.
It was written in 1945, and became especially meaningful to the generation that survived the atrocities of World War II. The song is known for captivating composition that embodies romance and that emotional magic of optimism.
With lyrics that still speak to the soul, everyone from Lady Gaga to Madonna to Dean Martin have covered this song about finding true love.
Meaning and composition
The song was written by French composer Louiguy who did the melody and lyricist Édith Piaf who penned the lyrics in 1945, drawing inspiration from her own experiences of love and heartache.
Born Édith Giovanna Gassion in 1915 in Paris, Piaf grew up amidst a backdrop of poverty. Her difficult childhood shaped her perspective on life, which she would later infuse into her music. She performed on the streets of Montmartre as a young girl to support herself, and this is where she found fame.
The song’s title, which translates to “Life in Pink,” carries a metaphorical significance, alluding to a state of blissful contentment and seeing life through a rose-tinted lens. While the song doesn’t specifically mention Paris, it is undoubtedly about Piaf’s beautiful hometown, still struggling from the scars of 4 years of German occupation during World War II.
This poetic attitude, combined with Piaf’s poignant vocals, would ultimately become the hallmark of the song’s enduring appeal. “La Vie en rose” made was recorded and released in 1946, just as France was rebuilding after the war.
The song’s popularity skyrocketed both in France and internationally, earning Piaf a prominent place in the global music scene. Her passionate delivery and raw emotive voice would end up transcending language barriers.
Beyond its initial success, “La Vie en rose” remains an emblematic piece of French culture, forever associated with Edith Piaf’s legacy. Piaf herself became one of the most celebrated and influential female figures in French music history.
Lyrics and translation
| French lyrics | English translation |
|---|---|
| Des yeux qui font baisser les miens Un rire qui se perd sur sa bouche Voila le portrait sans retouche De l’homme auquel j’appartiens | Eyes that lower mine A laugh that gets lost on his mouth Here’s the portrait without editing From the man I belong to |
| Quand il me prend dans ses bras Qu’il me parle tout bas Je vois la vie en rose. Il me dit des mots d’amour Des mots de tous les jours Et ça me fait quelque chose. | When he takes me in his arms That he talks to me softly I see life in pink. He tell me love words Everyday words And it does something to me. |
| Il est entré dans mon coeur Une part de bonheur Dont je connais la cause. C’est lui pour moi. | He has entered in my heart A slice of happiness That I know the reason. He is it for me. |
| Moi pour lui dans la vie Il me l’a dit, l’a juré pour la vie. Et dès que je l’aperçois Alors je sens en moi Mon coeur qui bat | Me for him in life He told me, swore it for life. And as soon as I see him So I feel Inside me My heart beating |
| Des nuits d’amour a plus finir Un grand bonheur qui prend sa place Des enuis des chagrins, s’effacent Heureux, heureux a en mourir. | Nights of endless love A great happiness that takes its place Troubles of the sorrows, fadeaway Happy, happy to die. |
| Quand il me prend dans ses bras Il me parle tout bas Je vois la vie en rose. Il me dit des mots d’amour Des mots de tous les jours Et ça me fait quelque chose. | When he takes me in his arms He whispers to me I see life in pink. He tell me love words Everyday words And it does something to me. |
| Il est entré dans mon coeur Une part de bonheur Dont je connais la cause. C’est toi pour moi. | He has entered in my heart A slice of happiness That I know the reason. You are it for me. |
| Moi pour toi dans la vie Il me l’a dit, l’a juré pour la vie. Et dès que je t’aperçois Alors je sens en moi Mon coeur qui bat… | Me for you in life He told me, swore it for life. And as soon as I see you So I feel inside me My heart beating… |
Other versions
Over the years, “La Vie en rose” has been covered by numerous artists from various genres and languages, attesting to its universal appeal. It has been rendered in English, Spanish, Italian, and many other languages, like another one of the Piaf’s iconic songs Je ne regrette rien.
One of the most notable renditions of “La Vie en rose” came in 1950 when the renowned jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong recorded his own iconic version of the song. His rendition remains one of the most beloved and recognizable interpretations of the song.
Decades later, in 2007, “La Vie en rose” experienced a resurgence in popularity through a contemporary reinterpretation by Lady Gaga. Her rendition introduced the song to a new generation.
Moreover, the continues to be performed and embraced by artists from diverse backgrounds and genres. Its influence can be heard in modern pop, jazz, and world music.
Artists like Dean Martin, Grace Jones, Donna Summer, and Michael Bublé have all offered their own interpretations, each adding their unique flair while honoring the essence of the original composition.
The has also found its way into popular culture, appearing in films, advertisements, and various forms of media. Seeing the world through “rose-colored glasses” has become a popular expression in both English and in French.
“La Vie en rose” is one of those songs with a timeless message of love and optimism. It continues to inspire and uplift, making it an anthem cherished for generations, and Piaf one of the most famous French people of all-time.
If you enjoyed that article, you may like to read more about other famous French musicians. A bientôt!
