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{{otheruses}}
{{Infobox single |
{{Infobox song <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Songs -->
| Name = La Vie En Rose
| Name = La Vie en rose
| Cover =
| Cover =
| Border =
| Caption =
| Type =
| Artist = [[Édith Piaf]]
| Artist = [[Édith Piaf]]
| alt Artist =
| from Album = Chansons parisiennes
| Album =
| B-side = "Un refrain courait dans la rue"
| Published =
| Released = 1947
| Released =
| Format = 10"
| track_no =
| Recorded =
| Recorded =
| Genre =
| Genre = [[Traditional pop music|Traditional pop]]
| Language = [[French language|French]]
| Length =
| Length =
| Writer = [[Édith Piaf]] (lyrics) <br>
| Label = [[Columbia Records]]
| Composer = "Louiguy" ([[Louis Guglielmi]])
| Writer = [[Louis Guglielmi|Louiguy]] (melody)<br/>[[Édith Piaf]] (lyrics)
| Label =
| Producer =
| Producer =
| Certification =
| Chart position =
| Tracks =
| Last single = "[[Les trois cloches]]"<br/>(1946)
| prev =
| prev_no =
| This single = "La Vie en rose"<br/>(1947)
| next =
| Next single = "Si tu partais"<br/>(1947)
| next_no =
| Misc =
| Misc =
| Audio sample? =
}}
}}
[[File:Edith_piaf_columbia_posters.jpg‎ |thumb|Columbia Records poster of Piaf; La Vie en Rose appeared on nearly all Piaf's records]]
[[File:Edith_piaf_columbia_posters.jpg‎|thumb|[[Columbia Records]] poster of Piaf; "La Vie en rose" appeared on nearly all Piaf's records]]
"'''La Vie en Rose'''" ({{IPA-fr|la vi ɑ̃ ʁoz}}, ''Life in Rosy Hues'', literally ''Life in Pink'') was the [[signature song]] of French singer [[Édith Piaf]].
"'''La Vie en rose'''" ({{IPA-fr|la vi ɑ̃ ʁoz}}) was the [[signature song]] of French singer [[Édith Piaf]], written in 1945,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.france.com/story/edith_piaf |title=Edith Piaf |work=web.france.com |accessdate=2012-02-15}}</ref> popularized in 1946, and released on a single in 1947.


==Song history==
==Signature song of Édith Piaf==
The song's title translates "Life in Rosy Hues" or "Life Through Rose-Colored Glasses", and its literal meaning is "Life in Pink".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=qZeogUGx1OMC&pg=PA65&dq=la+vie+en+rose+lyrics#v=onepage&q=la%20vie%20en%20rose%20lyrics&f=false |title=Decade by Decade 1940s: Ten Years of Popular Hits Arranged for EASY PIANO - Dan Coates - Google Books |work=books.google.co.uk |accessdate=2012-02-15}}</ref>


The melody of the song was composed by [[Louis Guglielmi]], known as Louiguy, and the lyrics were written by Édith Piaf herself. Originally, the song was registered as being written by Louiguy only, since at the time Piaf did not have necessary qualifications to be able to copyright her work with [[Société des auteurs, compositeurs et éditeurs de musique|SACEM]].<ref name="rfimusic">{{cite web |url=http://www.rfimusic.com/artist/chanson/edith-piaf/biography |title=Piaf |work=www.rfimusic.com |accessdate=2010-02-11}}</ref> Words "Quand il me tient dans ses bras..." ("When he takes me in his arms...") came to her mind one evening in 1944, when she was standing in front of an American man.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.byckobieta.pl/2,2349,1,historia-piosenek-piaf.html |title=Historia piosenek Piaf |work=www.byckobieta.pl |accessdate=2012-02-14 |language=Polish}}</ref> That gave the base for the rest of lyrics. Piaf offered the song to Marianne Michel, who slightly modified the lyrics, changing "les choses" ("things") for "la vie" ("life"). English lyrics for the song were later written by [[Mack David]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/edith_piaf/la_vida_en_rosa___un_estribillo_corre_por_la_calle/ |title=La Vida En Rosa / Un Estribillo Corre Por La Calle by Édith Piaf : Reviews and Ratings - Rate Your Music |work=rateyourmusic.com |accessdate=2012-02-15}}</ref>
Édith Piaf first popularized ''La Vie en Rose'' in 1946. The lyrics were written by Piaf and the melody of the song by "Louiguy" ([[Louis Guglielmi]]). Initially, Piaf's peers and her songwriting team did not think the song would be successful, but it became a favorite with audiences.<ref>[http://www.rfimusique.com/siteEn/biographie/biographie_6057.asp Édith Piaf biography from Radio France International]</ref> An English version of the lyrics was written later by [[Mack David]]. Owing to its popularity, the song appeared on most of Piaf's subsequent albums.


Initially, Piaf's peers and songwriting team did not think the song would be successful, finding it weaker than the rest of her repertoire. Having listened to their advices, the singer put the song aside, only to change her mind next year. The song would be performed live in concert for the first time in 1946 and it became a favorite with audiences.<ref name="rfimusic"/> It was the song that made Piaf internationally famous, with its lyrics telling about retaken love and appealing to those who had survived the difficult wartime.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=12189 |title=La Vie En Rose: Edith Piaf’s remarkable voice comes back to life |work=www.socialistworker.co.uk |accessdate=2012-02-15}}</ref>
== Films called ''La Vie en rose'' about Piaf ==
[[File:Marion Cotillard (Berlin Film Festival 2007).jpg|thumb|French actress Marion Cotillard played Piaf in the 2007 film ''La Vie en rose'']]
A 1998 documentary about Édith Piaf was called ''La Vie en rose''. The film used archive footage and interviews with [[Raquel Bitton (singer)|Raquel Bitton]], and was narrated by Bebe Neuwirth.


"La Vie en rose" was released on a 10" single in 1947 by [[Columbia Records]], a division of [[EMI]], with "Un refrain courait dans la rue" making the B-side. It met with a warm reception and sold a million copies in the USA.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dippermouth.blogspot.com/2010/06/50-years-of-la-vie-en-rose.html |title=60 Years of "La Vie En Rose" |work=dippermouth.blogspot.com |accessdate=2012-02-15}}</ref> It was the biggest-selling single of 1948 in Italy, and the ninth biggest-selling single in Brazil in 1949.<ref name="tsort.info">{{cite web |url=http://tsort.info/music/qsue9u.htm |title=Song artist 444 - Edith Piaf |accessdate=2012-02-15 |publisher=tsort.info}}</ref> The first Piaf's album to include "La Vie en rose" was the 10" ''Chansons parisiennes'', released in 1950. It later appeared on most of Piaf's subsequent albums and countless greatest hits compilations. The song would go on to become Piaf's signature song and her trademark hit, sitting with "[[Milord (song)|Milord]]" and "[[Non, je ne regrette rien]]" among her best-known and most recognizable tunes. Encouraged by its success, the singer penned 80 more own songs throughout her career.<ref name="rfimusic"/>
The 2007 biographical feature film ''[[La Vie en rose (film)|La Vie en rose]]'' won [[Marion Cotillard]] an [[Academy Award for Best Actress]] for portraying Piaf in the film from the age of 19 until her death at 47.


The song received a [[List of Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipients J–P|Grammy Hall of Fame Award]] in 1998.
The song received a [[List of Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipients J–P|Grammy Hall of Fame Award]] in 1998.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://monkeyseemonkeydopiano.web.officelive.com/LaVieEnRose.aspx |title=La Vie En Rose |work=monkeyseemonkeydopiano.web.officelive.com |accessdate=2012-02-15}}</ref>


==Track listing==
==List of notable artists who have performed "La Vie en Rose"==
*'''10" Single'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/edith_piaf/la_vie_en_rose___un_refrain_courait_dans_la_rue_f1/ |title=La vie en rose / Un refrain courait dans la rue by Édith Piaf : Reviews and Ratings - Rate Your Music |work=rateyourmusic.com |accessdate=2012-02-15}}</ref>
[[File:Gracejoneslavieenrose.jpg|thumb|[[Grace Jones]] is one of many singers who have covered ''La Vie en Rose'']]
:A. "La Vie en rose"
:B. "Un refrain courait dans la rue"


==Chart performance==
<!--Please put new artists in alphabetical order -- must already have a Wikipedia article -->
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!align="left"|Chart
!align="center"|Peak<br />position<ref name="tsort.info"/>
|-
|align="left"|[[Billboard Hot 100|United States]]
|align="center"|23
|-
|}

==References in popular culture==
===Films called ''La Vie en rose'' about Piaf===
[[File:Marion Cotillard (Berlin Film Festival 2007).jpg|thumb|French actress [[Marion Cotillard]] played Piaf in the 2007 film ''[[La Vie en rose (film)|La Vie en rose]]'']]
*A 1998 documentary about Édith Piaf was called ''La Vie en rose''. The film used archive footage and interviews with [[Raquel Bitton (singer)|Raquel Bitton]], and was narrated by [[Bebe Neuwirth]].

*The 2007 biographical feature film ''[[La Vie en rose (film)|La Vie en rose]]'' won [[Marion Cotillard]] an [[Academy Award for Best Actress]] for portraying Piaf in the film from the age of 19 until her death at 47.

===As music in films===
{{Div col|cols=2}}
*''[[Stage Fright (film)|Stage Fright]]'' (1950)
*''[[By the Light of the Silvery Moon (film)|By the Light of the Silvery Moon]]'' (1953) - instrumental only
*''[[Sabrina (1954 film)|Sabrina]]'' (1954) - as Sabrina Fairchild's song
*''[[Noches de Casablanca]]'' (1963) - sung by [[Sara Montiel]]
*''[[The Cheap Detective]]'' (1978) - however, [[Eileen Brennan]]'s character, Betty DeBoop, doesn't sing the words, and just sings "La la la la la la la en rose"
*''[[Bull Durham]]'' (1988)
*''[[Christo in Paris]]'' (1990)
*''[[Natural Born Killers]]'' (1994)
*''[[Prêt-à-Porter (film)|Prêt-à-Porter]]'' (1994)
*''[[French Kiss (film)|French Kiss]]'' (1995)
*''[[Sabrina (1995 film)|Sabrina]]'' (1995)
*''[[Saving Private Ryan]] (1998)
*''[[A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries]]'' (1998)
*''[[Summer of Sam]]'' (1999)
*''[[View from the Top]]'' (2003)
*''[[Love Me If You Dare]]'' (2003)
*''[[Something's Gotta Give (film)|Something's Gotta Give]]'' (2003)
*''[[Modigliani (film)|Modigliani]]'' (2004)
*''[[A World Without Thieves]]'' (2004)
*''[[Valiant (2005 film)|Valiant]]'' (2005)
*''[[Lord of War]]'' (2005)
*''[[The Yacoubian Building (film)|The Yacoubian Building]]'' (2006)
*''[[La Vie en rose (film)|La Vie en rose]]'' (2007)
*''[[Mister Lonely]]'' (2007)
*''[[Jellyfish (film)|Jellyfish]]'' (2007)
*''[[Fred Claus]]'' (2007)
*''[[The Bucket List]]'' (2007)
*''[[WALL-E]]'' (2008)
*''[[The Wackness]]'' (2008)
*''[[Map of the Sounds of Tokyo]]'' (2009)
*''[[X-Men: First Class]]'' (2011)
*''[[Monte Carlo (2011 film)|Monte Carlo]]'' (2011)
{{Div col end}}

===As music in other media===
*"La Vie en rose" appeared in the television show ''[[I Love Lucy]]'' in the episode entitled "Hollywood Anniversary", right before [[Desi Arnaz]] sang the song "[[The Anniversary Waltz]]". The episode was filmed and aired in 1955.
* [[Barbara Feldon]] sang "La Vie en rose" in a 1966 episode of ''[[Get Smart]]'' entitled "Casablanca".
* The song appeared in the television show ''[[Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman]]'', in the episode entitled "Pheromone, My Lovely" (1993).
*"La Vie en rose" appeared in an episode of ''[[Relic Hunter]]'' entitled "Memories of Montmarte".
*In "[[Cold Stones]]", the 76th episode of ''[[The Sopranos]]'', [[Rosalie Aprile]] hums a throaty version of the song to comfort [[Carmela Soprano]]. The episode was aired in May 2006.
*In the 2006 Egyptian film ''[[The Yacoubian Building (film)|The Yacoubian Building]]'', chanteuse Christine ([[Youssra]]) includes "La Vie en rose" in her repertoire, singing it on at least one occasion for Zaki el Dessouki ([[Adel Imam]]).
*An unknown singer sang "La Vie en rose" for a 2008 [[Irish Ferries]] radio advertisement in Ireland.
*"La Vie en rose" is played on the piano in a 2011 TV commercial entitled "Piano" for [[rheumatoid arthritis]].

===Other mentions===
*[[Ian Fleming]] references the song in his first [[James Bond]] novel ''[[Casino Royale (novel)|Casino Royale]]'', when Bond is eating with [[Vesper Lynd]], and again in his fourth novel ''[[Diamonds Are Forever (novel)|Diamonds Are Forever]]'', when Bond chooses to skip it on the record player as it has "painful memories".
*Lyrics from the song are quoted in [[Albert Cohen]]'s 1968 novel ''[[Belle du Seigneur]]'' (chapter LVI).
* [[La Vie en Rose (Gundam)|La Vie en Rose]] was also the name of a spaceship in ''[[Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam]]'' and ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ]]'', as well as an episode title of ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory]]''.
* In the 1990s anime ''[[Di Gi Charat]]'', the name Rabi~en~Rose is based in "La Vie en rose".
*"La Vie en rose" is mentioned in [[John Boyne]]'s novel ''[[The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas]]'', published in 2006.

==Cover versions==
<!--Please put new artists in alphabetical order-->
{{Div col|cols=4}}
{{Div col|cols=4}}
*[[Amália Rodrigues]]
*[[Amália Rodrigues]]
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*[[Diana Krall]]
*[[Diana Krall]]
*[[Donna Summer]]
*[[Donna Summer]]
*[[Édith Piaf]]
*[[Evelina Sašenko]]
*[[Evelina Sašenko]]
*[[Grace Jones]]
*[[Grace Jones]]
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{{Div col end}}
{{Div col end}}


===Grace Jones version===
== In other works ==
{{Infobox Single |
=== As music in films ===
| Name = La Vie en rose
{{Div col|cols=2}}
| Cover = Gracejoneslavieenrose.jpg
*''[[Stage Fright (film)|Stage Fright]]'' (1950)
| Artist = [[Grace Jones]]
* "[[By the Light of the Silvery Moon (film)|By the Light of the Silvery Moon]]" (1953) - instrumental only
| from Album = [[Portfolio (Grace Jones album)|Portfolio]]
*''[[Sabrina (1954 film)|Sabrina]]'' (1954) as Sabrina Fairchild's song
| B-side = "[[I Need a Man (Grace Jones song)|I Need a Man]]", "Tomorrow", "[[Send in the Clowns]]"
*''[[Casablanca, Nest of Spies, or Noches de Casablanca (original title) sung by Sara Montiel]]'' (1963)
| Released = October 1977
* ''[[The Cheap Detective]]'' (1978) (Although [[Eileen Brennan]]'s character, Betty DeBoop, doesn't sing the words, and just sings "La La La La La La La en Rose".)
| Format = [[gramophone record|7"]], [[gramophone record|12"]]
*''[[Bull Durham]]'' (1988)
| Recorded =
*''Christo in Paris'' (1990)
| Genre = [[Disco]]
*''[[Prêt-à-Porter (film)|Prêt-à-Porter]]'' (1994)
| Length = 7:27 <small>(full album version)</small><br/>3:35 <small>(single edit)</small>
*''[[Natural Born Killers]]'' (1994)
| Label = [[Island Records|Island]]
*''[[French Kiss (film)|French Kiss]]'' (1995)
| Writer = [[Édith Piaf]], [[Louis Guglielmi|Louigny]], [[Mack David]]
*''[[Sabrina (1995 film)|Sabrina]]'' (1995)
| Producer = [[Tom Moulton]]
* ''[[Saving Private Ryan]] (1998)
| Certification =
*''[[A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries]]'' (1998)
| Chart position =
*''[[Summer of Sam]]'' (1999)
| Last single = "[[Sorry (Grace Jones song)|Sorry]]"<br/>(1976)
*''Flip's Sorry'' (2002)
| This single = "'''La Vie en rose'''"<br/>(1977)
* ''[[Love Me If You Dare]]'' (2003)
| Next single = "[[Do or Die (Grace Jones song)|Do or Die]]"<br/>(1978)
* ''[[Something's Gotta Give (film)|Something's Gotta Give]]'' (2003)
| Misc =
* ''[[Love Me If You Dare|Jeux d'enfants]]'' (2003)
}}
* ''La notte di Totò'' (2003)
[[Grace Jones]] covered "La Vie en rose" in 1977 for her debut album ''[[Portfolio (Grace Jones album)|Portfolio]]''. It was the third and the last single off that album, and at the same time, her first single release on [[Island Records]] after having signed with the label.
* ''[[View from the Top]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Modigliani (film)|Modigliani]]'' (2004)
* ''[[A World Without Thieves]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Lord of War]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Valiant]]'' (2005)
* ''[[The Yacoubian Building (film)|The Yacoubian Building]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Mister Lonely]]'' (2007)
* ''[[La Môme]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Fred Claus]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Jellyfish (film)|Jellyfish]]'' (2007)
* ''[[The Bucket List]]'' (2007)
* ''[[WALL-E]] (2008)
* ''[[The Wackness]] (2008)
* ''Chrístabel Bertrand'' (2008)
* ''[[Map of the Sounds of Tokyo]] (2009)
* ''[[X-Men: First Class]] (2011)
* ''[[Monte Carlo (2011 film)]] (2011)


The single version was heavily edited from its original album version being more than seven minutes long to a 3,5-minute track. Jones' fairly radical [[bossa nova]]/[[disco]] interpretation of [[Édith Piaf]]'s signature tune became her first international hit single and a staple of her repertoire. It was later performed as part of her 1981 ''[[A One Man Show]]'', then the only track from her disco era to be included in the show. In Spain and Mexico the track was billed as "La Vida en rosa" on the 7" single release, although it was not a Spanish version of the song. Jones' recording of "La Vie en rose" was later re-released a number of times in the early 1980s and finally reached #12 in the UK charts when re-released as a double A-side with "[[Pull Up to the Bumper]]" in 1985.
{{Div col end}}


===As music in other media===
====Music video====
The music video for the song was made using the [[chroma key]] technique. It presents Grace dancing and singing the song with the famous 1978 montage picture of herself in the background, which was later used for the cover of her 1985 ''[[Island Life]]'' compilation. The video begins with Grace wearing a rose-patterned coat. Having removed it, the singer dances in a scant gold dress which reveals her right nipple as well as black underwear.
*"La vie en rose" appeared in the television show ''[[I Love Lucy]]'' in the episode entitled "Hollywood Anniversary" right before [[Desi Arnaz]] sang the song "[[The Anniversary Waltz]]".

* [[Barbara Feldon]] sang "La vie en rose" in a 1966 episode of [[Get Smart]] entitled "Casablanca".
====Track listings====
* "La vie en rose" appeared in the television show ''[[Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman]]'' in the episode entitled "Pheromone, My Lovely".
*'''7" Single (1977)'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Grace-Jones-La-Vie-En-Rose/release/1092559 |title=Grace Jones - La Vie En Rose (Vinyl) at Discogs |work=www.discogs.com |accessdate=2011-12-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Grace-Jones-La-Vie-En-Rose-I-Need-A-Man/release/330945 |title=Grace Jones - La Vie En Rose / I Need A Man (Vinyl) at Discogs |work=www.discogs.com |accessdate=2011-12-26}}</ref>
*"La vie en rose" appears in an episode of ''The Relic Hunter'' entitled "Memories of Montmarte".
:A. "La Vie en rose" - 3:35
* The chanteuse Christine ([[Youssra]]) in the 2006 [[Egypt]]ian film ''[[The Yacoubian Building (film)|The Yacoubian Building]]'' includes "La vie en rose" in her repertoire, singing it on at least one occasion for Zaki el Dessouki ([[Adel Imam]]).
:B. "[[I Need a Man (Grace Jones song)|I Need a Man]]" - 3:22
* In "[[Cold Stones]]" (Episode 76 of ''[[The Sopranos]]''), Rosalie Aprile hums a throaty version of "La vie en rose" to comfort Carmela Soprano.

*An unknown singer sang "La vie en rose" for a 2008 Irish Ferries Radio Advertisement in Ireland.
*'''7" Italian Single (1977)'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Grace-Jones-La-Vie-En-Rose/release/1092453 |title=Grace Jones - La Vie En Rose (Vinyl) at Discogs |work=www.discogs.com |accessdate=2011-12-26}}</ref>
*"La vie en rose" is played on the piano in a 2011 TV commercial entitled "Piano" for Rheumatoid Arthritis.<ref>[http://www.ra.com/tv-commercial.aspx RA TV Commercial - "Piano"] RA.com</ref>
:A. "La Vie en rose" - 3:35
:B. "Tomorrow" - 5:48

*'''7" Promotional Single (1977)'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Grace-Jones-La-Vie-En-Rose/release/1619176 |title=Grace Jones - La Vie En Rose (Vinyl) at Discogs |work=www.discogs.com |accessdate=2011-12-26}}</ref>
:A. "La Vie en rose" - 3:35
:B. "La Vie en rose" - 3:35

*'''12" Mexican Single (1984)'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Grace-Jones-La-Vida-En-Rosa-Send-In-The-Clowns/release/2387152 |title=Grace Jones - La Vida En Rosa (La Vie En Rose) (Vinyl) at Discogs |work=www.discogs.com |accessdate=2011-12-26}}</ref>
:A. "La Vida en rosa" ("La Vie en rose") - 7:27
:B. "Manden a los payasos" ("[[Send in the Clowns]]") - 7:33

====Chart performance====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!align="left"|Chart
!align="center"|Peak<br />position
|-
|align="left"|[[RPM (magazine)|Canada]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.5458b&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=53gtrvbfj0gk7r9b4sd40dtvu0|title=Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada|accessdate=2011-12-26|publisher=www.collectionscanada.gc.ca}}</ref>
|align="center"|87
|-
|align="left"|[[RPM (magazine)|Canada <small>(Dance/Urban)</small>]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.5531&type=1&interval=20&PHPSESSID=53gtrvbfj0gk7r9b4sd40dtvu0|title=Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada|accessdate=2011-12-26|publisher=www.collectionscanada.gc.ca}}</ref>
|align="center"|28
|-
|align="left"|[[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|France]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infodisc.fr/Album_J.php|title=InfoDisc : Tous les Albums classés par Artiste|accessdate=2010-10-02|publisher=www.infodisc.fr|language=French}}</ref>
|align="center"|2
|-
|align="left"|[[Federation of the Italian Music Industry|Italy]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hitparadeitalia.it/hp_weeks/78/hp780218.htm |title=Top Settimanali Single |accessdate=2011-02-11 |publisher=www.hitparadeitalia.it |language=Italian}}</ref>
|align="center"|3
|-
|align="left"|[[Dutch Top 40|Netherlands]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Grace+Jones |title=dutchcharts.nl - Discografie Grace Jones |accessdate=2009-10-15 |publisher=dutchcharts.nl |language=Dutch}}</ref>
|align="center"|4
|-
|}

===Donna Summer version===
{{Infobox single|
| Name = La Vie en rose
| Cover =
| Artist = [[Donna Summer]]
| from Album = Tribute to Edith Piaf
| B-side =
| Released = [[1993 in music|1993]]
| Format = 12", CD
| Recorded = 1993
| Genre = [[Pop music|Pop]]
| Length = 4:58
| Label = [[AB Disques]]
| Writer = [[Édith Piaf]], [[Louis Guglielmi|Louigny]], [[Mack David]]
| Producer = Jacques Arnoul
| Certification =
| Chart position =
| Last single = "[[Carry On (song)|Carry On]]"<br/>(1992)
| This single = "'''La Vie en rose'''"<br/>(1993)
| Next single = "[[Melody of Love (Wanna Be Loved)]]"<br/>(1994)
| Misc =
}}
American singer [[Donna Summer]] covered "La Vie en rose" in 1993 for the [[tribute album]] called ''Tribute to Edith Piaf'' or ''Edith Piaf Tribute'', on which several contemporary stars recorded interpretations of some of Piaf's best known songs. Released on both vinyl and CD, the American release of the album and single contain a different mix of Summer's synth-driven performance than the French release. These releases are among the most sought after of Summer's collectables.{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} The U.S. single features a variety of remixes by DJ [[Chris Cox (DJ)|Chris Cox]].

====Track listings====
*'''12" Single'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Donna-Summer-La-Vie-En-Rose/release/2673607 |title=Donna Summer - La Vie En Rose (Vinyl) at Discogs |work=www.discogs.com |accessdate=2012-02-16}}</ref>
:A. "La Vie en rose" - 4:58
:B. "La Vie en rose" - 4:58

*'''12" Maxi-Single'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Donna-Summer-La-Vie-En-Rose-Remixes/release/2919001 |title=Donna Summer - La Vie En Rose (Remixes) (Vinyl) at Discogs |work=www.discogs.com |accessdate=2012-02-16}}</ref>
:A1. "La Vie en rose" (Techno Mix) - 7:36
:A2. "La Vie en rose" (US Radio Mix) - 3:43
:B1. "La Vie en rose" (Extended Soul Mix) - 7:40
:B2. "La Vie en rose" (Full Bass Mix) - 4:25


*'''12" Promotional Single'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Donna-Summer-La-Vie-En-Rose/release/2987153 |title=Donna Summer - La Vie En Rose (Vinyl) at Discogs |work=www.discogs.com |accessdate=2012-02-16}}</ref>
=== Other references ===
:A. "La Vie en rose" (Remodelled Mix)
'''Mentions of the song''':
:B1. "La Vie en rose" (Radio Mix)
* [[Ian Fleming]] references the song in his [[James Bond]] novel [[Casino Royale (novel)|Casino Royale]] when Bond is eating with [[Vesper Lynd]] and again in his 4th novel [[Diamonds Are Forever (novel)|Diamonds are Forever]] when Bond chooses to skip it on the record player as it has 'painful memories'
:B2. "La Vie en rose" (12" Mix)
*"La vie en rose" is mentioned in the John Boyne novel ''The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas''.
* Lyrics from the song "La Vie en Rose" are quoted in Albert Cohen's novel "Belle du Seigneur" (chapter LVI).


*'''CD Single'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/donna_summer/la_vie_en_rose__us_radio_mix_full_bass_mix_extended_soul_mix_stringapella_mix_/ |title=La Vie En Rose (US Radio Mix/Full Bass Mix/Extended Soul Mix/Stringapella Mix) by Donna Summer : Reviews and Ratings - Rate Your Music |work=rateyourmusic.com |accessdate=2012-02-16}}</ref>
'''Uses of the title or derivative phrases''':
# "La Vie en rose" (US Radio Mix) - 3:43
* [[La Vie en Rose (Gundam)|La Vie en Rose]] was also the name of a 'dock ship' in ''[[Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam]]'' and ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ]]'', as well as an episode title of ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory|0083: Stardust Memory]]''.
# "La Vie en rose" (Full Bass Mix) - 4:25
* In the anime ''[[Di Gi Charat]]'', the name Rabi~En~Rose is based in "'La vie en rose'".
# "La Vie en rose" (Extended Soul Mix) - 7:40
# "La Vie en rose" (Stringapella Mix) - 5:43


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|2}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Vie en rose, La}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vie en rose, La}}
[[Category:1946 songs]]
[[Category:1947 singles]]
[[Category:1977 singles]]
[[Category:1977 singles]]
[[Category:1993 singles]]
[[Category:1993 singles]]
[[Category:Dalida songs]]
[[Category:Dalida songs]]
[[Category:Donna Summer songs]]
[[Category:Donna Summer songs]]
[[Category:Grace Jones songs]]
[[Category:Louis Armstrong songs]]
[[Category:French songs]]
[[Category:Édith Piaf songs]]
[[Category:Édith Piaf songs]]
[[Category:La Toya Jackson songs]]
[[Category:French songs]]
[[Category:Grace Jones songs]]
[[Category:Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipients]]
[[Category:Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipients]]
[[Category:La Toya Jackson songs]]
[[Category:Louis Armstrong songs]]
[[Category:Songs with lyrics by Édith Piaf]]
[[Category:Songs with lyrics by Édith Piaf]]



Revision as of 11:21, 16 February 2012

"La Vie en rose"
Song
B-side"Un refrain courait dans la rue"
File:Edith piaf columbia posters.jpg
Columbia Records poster of Piaf; "La Vie en rose" appeared on nearly all Piaf's records

"La Vie en rose" (French pronunciation: [la vi ɑ̃ ʁoz]) was the signature song of French singer Édith Piaf, written in 1945,[1] popularized in 1946, and released on a single in 1947.

Song history

The song's title translates "Life in Rosy Hues" or "Life Through Rose-Colored Glasses", and its literal meaning is "Life in Pink".[2]

The melody of the song was composed by Louis Guglielmi, known as Louiguy, and the lyrics were written by Édith Piaf herself. Originally, the song was registered as being written by Louiguy only, since at the time Piaf did not have necessary qualifications to be able to copyright her work with SACEM.[3] Words "Quand il me tient dans ses bras..." ("When he takes me in his arms...") came to her mind one evening in 1944, when she was standing in front of an American man.[4] That gave the base for the rest of lyrics. Piaf offered the song to Marianne Michel, who slightly modified the lyrics, changing "les choses" ("things") for "la vie" ("life"). English lyrics for the song were later written by Mack David.[5]

Initially, Piaf's peers and songwriting team did not think the song would be successful, finding it weaker than the rest of her repertoire. Having listened to their advices, the singer put the song aside, only to change her mind next year. The song would be performed live in concert for the first time in 1946 and it became a favorite with audiences.[3] It was the song that made Piaf internationally famous, with its lyrics telling about retaken love and appealing to those who had survived the difficult wartime.[6]

"La Vie en rose" was released on a 10" single in 1947 by Columbia Records, a division of EMI, with "Un refrain courait dans la rue" making the B-side. It met with a warm reception and sold a million copies in the USA.[7] It was the biggest-selling single of 1948 in Italy, and the ninth biggest-selling single in Brazil in 1949.[8] The first Piaf's album to include "La Vie en rose" was the 10" Chansons parisiennes, released in 1950. It later appeared on most of Piaf's subsequent albums and countless greatest hits compilations. The song would go on to become Piaf's signature song and her trademark hit, sitting with "Milord" and "Non, je ne regrette rien" among her best-known and most recognizable tunes. Encouraged by its success, the singer penned 80 more own songs throughout her career.[3]

The song received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1998.[9]

Track listing

A. "La Vie en rose"
B. "Un refrain courait dans la rue"

Chart performance

Chart Peak
position[8]
United States 23

Films called La Vie en rose about Piaf

French actress Marion Cotillard played Piaf in the 2007 film La Vie en rose
  • A 1998 documentary about Édith Piaf was called La Vie en rose. The film used archive footage and interviews with Raquel Bitton, and was narrated by Bebe Neuwirth.

As music in films

As music in other media

Other mentions

Cover versions

Grace Jones version

"La Vie en rose"
Song
B-side"I Need a Man", "Tomorrow", "Send in the Clowns"

Grace Jones covered "La Vie en rose" in 1977 for her debut album Portfolio. It was the third and the last single off that album, and at the same time, her first single release on Island Records after having signed with the label.

The single version was heavily edited from its original album version being more than seven minutes long to a 3,5-minute track. Jones' fairly radical bossa nova/disco interpretation of Édith Piaf's signature tune became her first international hit single and a staple of her repertoire. It was later performed as part of her 1981 A One Man Show, then the only track from her disco era to be included in the show. In Spain and Mexico the track was billed as "La Vida en rosa" on the 7" single release, although it was not a Spanish version of the song. Jones' recording of "La Vie en rose" was later re-released a number of times in the early 1980s and finally reached #12 in the UK charts when re-released as a double A-side with "Pull Up to the Bumper" in 1985.

Music video

The music video for the song was made using the chroma key technique. It presents Grace dancing and singing the song with the famous 1978 montage picture of herself in the background, which was later used for the cover of her 1985 Island Life compilation. The video begins with Grace wearing a rose-patterned coat. Having removed it, the singer dances in a scant gold dress which reveals her right nipple as well as black underwear.

Track listings

A. "La Vie en rose" - 3:35
B. "I Need a Man" - 3:22
  • 7" Italian Single (1977)[13]
A. "La Vie en rose" - 3:35
B. "Tomorrow" - 5:48
  • 7" Promotional Single (1977)[14]
A. "La Vie en rose" - 3:35
B. "La Vie en rose" - 3:35
  • 12" Mexican Single (1984)[15]
A. "La Vida en rosa" ("La Vie en rose") - 7:27
B. "Manden a los payasos" ("Send in the Clowns") - 7:33

Chart performance

Chart Peak
position
Canada[16] 87
Canada (Dance/Urban)[17] 28
France[18] 2
Italy[19] 3
Netherlands[20] 4

Donna Summer version

"La Vie en rose"
Song

American singer Donna Summer covered "La Vie en rose" in 1993 for the tribute album called Tribute to Edith Piaf or Edith Piaf Tribute, on which several contemporary stars recorded interpretations of some of Piaf's best known songs. Released on both vinyl and CD, the American release of the album and single contain a different mix of Summer's synth-driven performance than the French release. These releases are among the most sought after of Summer's collectables.[citation needed] The U.S. single features a variety of remixes by DJ Chris Cox.

Track listings

A. "La Vie en rose" - 4:58
B. "La Vie en rose" - 4:58
A1. "La Vie en rose" (Techno Mix) - 7:36
A2. "La Vie en rose" (US Radio Mix) - 3:43
B1. "La Vie en rose" (Extended Soul Mix) - 7:40
B2. "La Vie en rose" (Full Bass Mix) - 4:25
  • 12" Promotional Single[23]
A. "La Vie en rose" (Remodelled Mix)
B1. "La Vie en rose" (Radio Mix)
B2. "La Vie en rose" (12" Mix)
  1. "La Vie en rose" (US Radio Mix) - 3:43
  2. "La Vie en rose" (Full Bass Mix) - 4:25
  3. "La Vie en rose" (Extended Soul Mix) - 7:40
  4. "La Vie en rose" (Stringapella Mix) - 5:43

References

  1. ^ "Edith Piaf". web.france.com. Retrieved 2012-02-15.
  2. ^ "Decade by Decade 1940s: Ten Years of Popular Hits Arranged for EASY PIANO - Dan Coates - Google Books". books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-02-15.
  3. ^ a b c "Piaf". www.rfimusic.com. Retrieved 2010-02-11.
  4. ^ "Historia piosenek Piaf". www.byckobieta.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 2012-02-14.
  5. ^ "La Vida En Rosa / Un Estribillo Corre Por La Calle by Édith Piaf : Reviews and Ratings - Rate Your Music". rateyourmusic.com. Retrieved 2012-02-15.
  6. ^ "La Vie En Rose: Edith Piaf's remarkable voice comes back to life". www.socialistworker.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-02-15.
  7. ^ "60 Years of "La Vie En Rose"". dippermouth.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2012-02-15.
  8. ^ a b "Song artist 444 - Edith Piaf". tsort.info. Retrieved 2012-02-15.
  9. ^ "La Vie En Rose". monkeyseemonkeydopiano.web.officelive.com. Retrieved 2012-02-15.
  10. ^ "La vie en rose / Un refrain courait dans la rue by Édith Piaf : Reviews and Ratings - Rate Your Music". rateyourmusic.com. Retrieved 2012-02-15.
  11. ^ "Grace Jones - La Vie En Rose (Vinyl) at Discogs". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 2011-12-26.
  12. ^ "Grace Jones - La Vie En Rose / I Need A Man (Vinyl) at Discogs". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 2011-12-26.
  13. ^ "Grace Jones - La Vie En Rose (Vinyl) at Discogs". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 2011-12-26.
  14. ^ "Grace Jones - La Vie En Rose (Vinyl) at Discogs". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 2011-12-26.
  15. ^ "Grace Jones - La Vida En Rosa (La Vie En Rose) (Vinyl) at Discogs". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 2011-12-26.
  16. ^ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". www.collectionscanada.gc.ca. Retrieved 2011-12-26.
  17. ^ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". www.collectionscanada.gc.ca. Retrieved 2011-12-26.
  18. ^ "InfoDisc : Tous les Albums classés par Artiste" (in French). www.infodisc.fr. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  19. ^ "Top Settimanali Single" (in Italian). www.hitparadeitalia.it. Retrieved 2011-02-11.
  20. ^ "dutchcharts.nl - Discografie Grace Jones" (in Dutch). dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 2009-10-15.
  21. ^ "Donna Summer - La Vie En Rose (Vinyl) at Discogs". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 2012-02-16.
  22. ^ "Donna Summer - La Vie En Rose (Remixes) (Vinyl) at Discogs". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 2012-02-16.
  23. ^ "Donna Summer - La Vie En Rose (Vinyl) at Discogs". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 2012-02-16.
  24. ^ "La Vie En Rose (US Radio Mix/Full Bass Mix/Extended Soul Mix/Stringapella Mix) by Donna Summer : Reviews and Ratings - Rate Your Music". rateyourmusic.com. Retrieved 2012-02-16.