Gay Paree

Gay Paree

from the film Victor/Victoria

Music: Henry Mancini

Lyrics: Leslie Bricusse

When people speak of gay Paree,

They think that when they say Paree is gay,

They mean that gay Paree is gay!

It is!

Not in the way Paree

Was gay in yesterday Paree.

It means today that gay Paree is gay.

Not that gay.

They say Paree has always been that way.

Along the banks of the Seine

Just take a walk now and then.

You'll meet some interesting men:

Gay Paree.

Along the Rue Madeleine

Each evening 'round about ten

You'll see it time and time again:

Gay Paree.

If you've a soirée to spare

Go to the Folies Bergère

You'll see such gaiety there!

C'est la vie.

Around the Rue des Beaux-Arts

Where all the cabaret shows are

I mean, well, really, those are,

You'll agree:

What they mean when they say "gay" Paree.

The Faubourg Saint-Honoré,

Where all the millionaires play,

Is also, I'm so glad to say,

Gay Paree.

The rue de Rivoli arcades,

Where fancy goods are displayed,

There's also bound to be rough trade.

Gay Paree.

And in l'arrondissement eight,

The Champs Élysées I would rate

Perhaps the one thing that's straight

As can be.

And at the Café de la Paix,

If you are heading that way,

They drink a toast every day

Around three.

They make each moment as gay

As le quatorze juillet!

That's what they mean

When they say "gay Paree!"