About the song
**Introduction**
**The Poor People of Paris – Les Baxter (1958)**
Les Baxter’s “The Poor People of Paris” is a musical gem that has captivated audiences for decades. This enchanting composition, released in 1958, is a testament to Baxter’s masterful ability to blend elements of French musette, exotica, and jazz into a truly unique and evocative sound.
The song’s title, “The Poor People of Paris,” paints a picture of a city filled with hardship and struggle. However, Baxter’s music defies this somber imagery, instead offering a vibrant and uplifting portrayal of Parisian life. The lively accordion, the rhythmic bongos, and the exotic flute all combine to create a sense of joy and optimism.
Baxter’s choice of instrumentation is key to the song’s appeal. The accordion, a symbol of French folk music, provides a nostalgic and familiar foundation. However, the addition of bongos, a percussion instrument often associated with Latin American music, adds a touch of exoticism and excitement. The flute, with its soaring melodies, further enhances the song’s dreamy and atmospheric quality.
The song’s arrangement is both intricate and accessible. The melody is catchy and memorable, while the harmonies are rich and complex. The interplay between the different instruments creates a sense of depth and texture, making the song a pleasure to listen to.
Baxter’s ability to evoke the spirit of Paris is truly remarkable. The song’s title may suggest a focus on poverty and hardship, but the music itself celebrates the city’s beauty, its culture, and its resilience. The “poor people” of Paris are not portrayed as victims, but as individuals who find joy and hope even in the face of adversity.
“The Poor People of Paris” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. It is a testament to Baxter’s talent as a composer and arranger, and a reminder of the power of music to transport us to different places and times.
Video
Lyrics
Just got back from Paris, France
All they do is sing and dance
All they’ve got there is romance
What a tragedy
Every boulevard has lovers
Every lover’s in a trance
The poor people of Paree
I feel sorry for the French
Every guy has got a wench
Every couple’s got a bench
Kissing shamelessly
Night and day they’re making music
While they’re making love in French
The poor people of Paree
Milk or water from the sink
Make a true Parisian shrink
Wine is all he’ll ever drink
And it worries me
For with wine as cheap as water
Oh, it makes one stop and think
The poor people of Paree
Sister met a boy named Pierre
Had the craziest affair
And the day they parted there
He cried bitterly
Pierre was there to bid her farewell
But he brought his new girl, Claire
The poor people of Paree
So don’t go to Paris, France
Not unless you like to dance
Not unless you want romance
Like those poor inhabitants of Paree