Milord

Album: The Very Best of Edith Piaf (1959)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Pronounced "me-lor", along with "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" this is arguably Édith Piaf most recognizable song, and like "Non," was also recorded by her in English, after a fashion.

    Released in 1959, it has lyrics by Georges Moustaki and music in 2/4 time by regular Piaf collaborator Marguerite Monnot. Known alternatively as "Ombre De La Rue" - literally "shadow on the street" - this is a song that harks back to Piaf's own youth as it is addressed by a young woman, very likely a prostitute, to an English gentleman.

    Although Piaf never sold her body, she did have the misfortune of growing up in a brothel.

    A massive hit including in Germany, it was recorded several times in English, by Cher, among others, and in both Italian and Swedish. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Janet Jackson

Janet JacksonFact or Fiction

Was Janet secretly married at 18? Did she gain 60 pounds for a movie role that went to Mariah Carey? See what you know about Ms. Jackson.

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Tony Joe White

Tony Joe WhiteSongwriter Interviews

The writer of "Rainy Night in Georgia" and "Polk Salad Annie" explains how he cooks up his Louisiana swamp rock.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.