About the song
Peter Sarstedt’s “Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)?” is a timeless ballad that paints a vivid picture of a young woman’s journey from humble beginnings to the glamorous heights of Parisian society. Released in 1969, the song quickly captured the hearts of listeners with its evocative lyrics and infectious melody.
The song’s narrative centers around Marie-Claire, a fictional character who grows up in the poverty-stricken backstreets of Naples. As she matures, Marie-Claire’s fortunes change, and she becomes a member of the jet set, living a life of luxury and sophistication in Paris. The song’s narrator, a childhood friend, reflects on Marie-Claire’s transformation, questioning whether her glamorous lifestyle has brought her true happiness.
Sarstedt’s choice to set the story in Paris was a deliberate one, as the city’s romantic allure and cultural significance resonated with audiences. The song’s lyrics are filled with references to iconic Parisian landmarks and cultural figures, such as the Boulevard Saint-Michel, Pierre Balmain, and Zizi Jeanmaire. These references not only add depth to the narrative but also evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.
Musically, “Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)?” is a simple yet effective arrangement featuring strummed acoustic guitar, upright bass, and brief bursts of French-style accordion. The song’s understated instrumentation allows the lyrics to take center stage, creating a powerful and intimate listening experience.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. While Marie-Claire’s journey may seem distant, her experiences resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. “Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)?” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its poignant lyrics and unforgettable melody.
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Lyrics
You talk like Marlene Dietrich
And you dance like Zizi Jeanmaire
Your clothes are all made by Balmain
And there’s diamonds and pearls in your hair, yes, there are
You live in a fancy apartment
Off the Boulevard St. Michel
Where you keep your Rolling Stones records
And a friend of Sacha Distel, yes, you do
But where do you go to, my lovely
When you’re alone in your bed?
Tell me the thoughts that surround you
I want to look inside your head, yes, I do
I’ve seen all your qualifications
You got from the Sorbonne
And the painting you stole from Picasso
Your loveliness goes on and on, yes, it does
When you go on your summer vacation
You go to Juan-les-Pins
With your carefully designed topless swimsuit
You get an even suntan on your back, and on your legs
And when the snow falls you’re found in St. Moritz
With the others of the jet set
And you sip your Napoleon brandy
But you never get your lips wet, no, you don’t
But where do you go to, my lovely
When you’re alone in your bed?
Won’t you tell me the thoughts that surround you?
I want to look inside your head, yes, I do
Your name it is heard in high places
You know the Aga Khan
He sent you a race horse for Christmas
And you keep it just for fun, for a laugh, ha-ha-ha
They say that when you get married
It’ll be to a millionaire
But they don’t realize where you came from
And I wonder if they really care, or give a damn
Where do you go to, my lovely
When you’re alone in your bed?
Tell me the thoughts that surround you
I want to look inside your head, yes, I do
I remember the back streets of Naples
Two children begging in rags
Both touched with a burning ambition
To shake off their lowly-born tags, they tried
So look into my face, Marie-Claire
And remember just who you are
Then go and forget me forever
But I know you still bear the scar, deep inside, yes, you do
I know where you go to, my lovely
When you’re alone in your bed
I know the thoughts that surround you
‘Cause I can look inside your head
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na-na