Paris

Album: Friendly Fires (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The song refers to Le Club Showcase as a place where the clubber can "live it up." However frontman Ed Macfarlane admitted to the NME March 21, 2009 that the cabaret club is not all it's cracked up to be. He explained: "I thought it was this glamorous place but apparently it's just a tacky, yuppie club full of young girls and old rich men. Then again, the sentiment of the song is meant to be naïve. It's not really about Paris-it's about dreaming of being somewhere better than where you are."
  • The lyrics point longingly at life in the French capital: "One day we're gonna live in Paris. I promise." and "Every night. The city lights. They'll be out for us."
  • The song features vocals by Erika Forster of Brooklyn indie trio Au Revoir Simone. Forster told The Hollywood Reporter that she saw it as hopeful, even forward-looking. "It's a really universal song because it has longing bit to it, but also this innocence," she said. "It's really sweet -- the message of, 'Let's run away together.'"

    The singer added that she that connected with the spirit of the song because of how it tied into the group's name (the Simone in the band's name pays homage to the character in Pee-wee's Big Adventure who dreams of a life in Paris). "The story of our name went along with the song, and again as a symbol of love and running away together…"
  • The late Glee star Cory Monteith tweeted less than a week before his death that he had this song on repeat.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Fire On The Stage

Fire On The StageSong Writing

When you have a song called "Fire," it's tempting to set one - these guys did.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.