peter sarstedt
In April 1969, Peter Sarstedt released this song. It rapidly became one of the most frequently played singles for years, due to its smooth and simple style, catchy 3/4 beat and the unusual production (only 3 instruments; no drums), far better than what was likely at that time. The lyrics are not only really good: they are introspective and a common reminder of never to forget or deny your origin. New Delhi-born Peter Eardley Sarstedt (1941-2017) never managed to follow up this hit, though he continued his songwriting and performing for more than 60 years. That man is underestimated! He's left us a lot of songs worth listening to, and playing.
Universal first rejected this song; the main objection was the length. The result of the discussion was omitting two parts in two verses; one of them of "moral causes". It's back where it belongs now, in blue color, and it have also been included on later albums.
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 Saint-Michel
where you keep your Rolling Stones records
and a friend of Sacha Distel • yes you do
you go to the embassy parties
where you talk in Russian and Greek
and the young men who move in your circles
they hang on every word you speak • yes they 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 Saint 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 ...
you're in between twenty and thirty
that's a very desirable age
your body is firm and inviting
but you live on a glittering stage • yes you do
your name it is heard in high places
you know the Aga Khan
he sent you a racehorse for Christmas
and you keep it just for fun • for a laugh a-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 just give a damn
but where do you go to my lovely ...
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 • so they try
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
For the following CHORD section, fullscreen/horizontal mobile is recommended.
Chords in brackets may be omitted.
G G/F# Bm you talk like Marlene Dietrich C Am D7 and you dance like Zizi Jeanmaire G Gmaj7 Bm your clothes are all made by Balmain C Am D Bm Am7 D7 and there's diamonds and pearls in your hair yes there are G G/F# Bm you live in a fancy apartment C Am D7 off the Boulevard Saint-Michel G Gmaj7 Bm where you keep your Rolling Stones records C Am D7 Bm Am7 D7 and a friend of Sacha Distel yes you do G Gmaj7 Bm C D7 but where do you go to my lovely when you're alone in your bed G Gmaj7 Bm tell me the thoughts that surround you C D7 Bm Am7 D7 I want to look inside your head yes I do C D7 G cause I can look inside your head
