Édith Piaf (1915-1963) was a legendary French singer nicknamed “The Little Sparrow” due to her small stature. She rose from being a Paris street performer to becoming France’s most famous singer.
She is known for her powerful, emotional voice and songs about love and loss; her most famous works include “La Vie en rose” and “Non, je ne regrette rien.”
Despite a life marked by personal tragedies, she became an international star and remains a cultural icon of French music.
About the Song
La Vie en rose (1947) is a love song about how romance makes life feel more beautiful. Piaf’s powerful voice and the simple waltz melody made it a worldwide hit and a symbol of French culture.
The song has been covered many times, but Piaf’s original version remains the most famous.
| DETAIL | INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| RELEASE DATE | 1947 |
| ALBUM | Chansons Parisiennes (1950) |
| WRITERS | Lyrics by Édith Piaf, Music by Louiguy |
| PRODUCERS | Not specifically documented, Piaf’s recordings during this period were often overseen by orchestra conductors such as Robert Chauvigny and Guy Luypaerts. |
La Vie En Rose Lyrics By Édith Piaf
Couplet 1
Des yeux qui font baisser les miens
Un rire qui se perd sur sa bouche
Voilà le portrait sans retouche
De l’homme auquel j’appartiens
Refrain
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 m’fait quelque chose
Couplet 2
Il est entré dans mon cœur
Une part de bonheur
Dont je connais la cause
C’est lui pour moi, 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 cœur qui bat
Pont
Des nuits d’amour à plus finir
Un grand bonheur qui prend sa place
Des ennuis, des chagrins s’effacent
Heureux, heureux, à en mourir
Refrain
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 m’fait quelque chose
Couplet 3
Il est entré dans mon cœur
Une part de bonheur
Dont je connais la cause
C’est toi pour moi, moi pour toi dans la vie
Tu me l’as dit, m’as juré pour la vie
Et, dès que je t’aperçois
Alors, je sens en moi
Mon cœur qui bat
Outro
La-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la, la-la-la
La, la, la-la
La Vie En Rose Lyrics by Édith Piaf (English Translation)
Verse 1
Eyes that lower mine
A laugh which is lost on his lips
That’s the untouched portrait
Of the man to whom I belong
Chorus
When he holds me in his arms
When he speaks to me softly
I see life in pink
He speaks words of love to me
Everyday words
And that does something to me
Verse 2
He has entered into my heart
A piece of happiness
The cause of which I know
It’s him for me, me for him in life
He said that to me, swore it for life
And as soon as I see him
I feel in me
My heart that pounds
Bridge
Neverending nights of love
A great happiness which takes its place
The troubles, the heartaches all fade
Happy, happy, to die of it
Chorus
When he holds me in his arms
When he speaks to me softly
I see life in pink
He speaks words of love to me
Everyday words
And that does something to me
Verse 3
He has entered into my heart
A piece of happiness
The cause of which I know
It’s you for me, me for you in life
You said that to me, swore it for life
And as soon as I see you
I feel in me
My heart that pounds
Outro
La-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la, la-la-la
La, la, la-la
1954 Live Performance: “La Vie en rose” by Édith Piaf
In her iconic black dress, Édith Piaf brought magic to the stage in 1954. Her small frame held a voice that filled every corner of the room.
Each note of “La Vie en rose” flowed with pure feeling, telling a story of love’s sweet effect on life. Her hands moved with the music, adding meaning to every word.
The simple stage setup kept everyone’s eyes on Piaf as she shared this personal moment with her listeners. The gentle orchestra supported her voice without diminishing its power.
As she sang, the crowd sat silent, caught in the spell of her performance. Their loud cheers showed how deeply she touched their hearts when the last note faded. This concert remains a perfect example of Piaf’s gift for turning a song into something special.
Similar Songs Like La Vie En Rose
- Non, je ne regretted rien (1960): This is a bold song that celebrates living life fully. The strong orchestral opening sets the tone. Piaf’s voice rises with determination as she sings about facing life without looking back. The lyrics speak of starting fresh and letting go of past troubles. This became her final signature song.
- Hymne à l’amour (1950): Written after the death of her lover Marcel Cerdan. The song tells of love that lasts beyond life itself. Soft strings support Piaf’s tender vocals. Each verse builds in intensity, expressing deeper feelings. The music captures both loss and lasting devotion.
- Milord (1959): A story-song about a chance meeting between different social classes. The melody shifts between light and serious moments. Piaf brings the character of a working girl to life through her performance. The song mixes French and English phrases cleverly.
- La Foule (1957): It’s an upbeat track about love found and lost in a crowd. Its Latin rhythm gives it a unique energy. Piaf’s voice dances with the quick-paced music. She tells the story of two people brought together and then separated by flowing crowds.
- Padam, padam… (1951): A song about memories that won’t fade away. The recurring “padam” mimics a heartbeat throughout. The music creates a dreamy atmosphere around Piaf’s voice. She sings of how certain tunes bring back old feelings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Meaning Of La Vie En Rose?
It means “life in pink,” symbolizing seeing life through a joyful, romantic lens.
Is La Vie En Rose a Romance Song?
Yes, it’s a love song expressing the bliss of being in love.
What is The Original La Vie En Rose?
The original is a French song written and performed by Édith Piaf in 1947.
Who Originally Wrote and Sang La Vie En Rose?
Édith Piaf wrote the lyrics and sang the original version, with music by Louiguy.
