Can't Speak French

Album: Tangled Up (2007)
Charted: 9
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Band member Cheryl Cole revealed to the Manchester Evening News November 21, 2007 that she loves this song: "It gives me goosebumps that song, I love it. I can't speak French although I did go out with a French boy for a little while, so I got some CDs to learn the language. I picked up a bit, but I've forgotten apart from a few bad words."
  • The B-side "Hoxton Heroes" caused some controversy with its attacks on Indie bands who can't write a hummable tune and "scenesters" that hang around the trendy Hoxton and Primrose Hill areas of London. It was deemed too controversial by Girls Aloud's record label to be included on their album.

Comments: 1

  • Angela X from Manchester, United KingdomI heard that this song was about wanting to tell someone that you love them but yet cannot find the right words to say.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Victoria Williams

Victoria WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

Despite appearances on Carson, Leno and a Pennebaker film, Williams remains a hidden treasure.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

The Fratellis

The FratellisSongwriter Interviews

Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Kim Thayil of Soundgarden

Kim Thayil of SoundgardenSongwriter Interviews

Their frontman (Chris Cornell) started out as their drummer, so Soundgarden takes a linear approach when it comes to songwriting. Kim explains how they do it.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.