This song was originally written in 1936 and so by the time that Bryan Ferry had come to record his version in 1973 it was already thirty seven years old and is now 75 years old, however despite its age, like a fine wine, it has lasted the test of time and is as great a song today as it has always been.
Some of the lines and concepts seems a trifle old fashioned today such as a ‘cigarette that bears a lipstick’s traces’ and ‘wild strawberries at only seven francs a kilo’ but the general idea that objects and things such as these can remind a person of a lost love and fun times together is a concept we can all understand. Add that to the joys of Paris in the spring and you have a winner.
The general level of sophistication in this song and the wonderful way that Bryan ‘Mr Sophisticated’ Ferry delivers this marvellous song make it a true classic and one that I love to listen to as well as play and sing on the piano. There is no greater thrill than playing the ‘tinkly’ bits while singing ‘A tinkling piano in the next apartment’ although I seem to have misplaced the sheet music but will be looking for it tonight!!
Now listen to the song….
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