Yesterday Once More

12 Apr 2016

Foreign Titles English Lyrics

Hi Listeners,

Throughout the history of popular music there have always been songs with foreign titles but with English lyrics. Why do some songwriters and singers prefer foreign titles to English titles? The answer seems to lie in the sound of the foreign language tiles which can give a song an exotic or sophisticated feeling.

The foreign language most fancied by singers and songwriters is French. ‘Ma Belle Ami’ (Tee Set), ‘Amor’ (Ben E King), Melodie D’Amour (Ames Bros) and Chanson D’amour (Fontane Sisters) use French titles to enhance these songs. Of course, French is one of the most beautiful languages to express the theme of love. Possibly the most extreme example of this is the song ‘Je T’aime’ covered by Australian television actor. Abigail, was voted one of the most popular songs to enjoy while having sex.

Other languages used are German ‘Bi Mir Bist Du Schoen’ by Louis Prima and Keely Smith, Spanish ‘Quando Quando Quando’ by Engelbert Humperdinck, and Aussie slide guitarist, Rob E G’s big hit ‘Si Senor’ and Normie Rowe’s million seller ‘Que Sera Sera’. Italian is also popular (Volare) by Dean Martin and quasi Greek ‘Xanadu’ by Aussie ex-pat, Olivia Newton-John

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