Belles of Paris

Song ratings

Rating	Comments	Author	Date
	"Belles of Paris" had an interesting route to the MIU Album, being initially entitled "Bells of Christmas" and recorded for inclusion on a second Beach Boys Christmas album. The album was stillborn (although several tracks are attainable on hybrid CD's of the original Beach Boys Christmas Album), so when the MIU Album needed some upgrading, "Bells of Christmas" became rewritten into "Belles of Paris". The lyrics were written and sung by Mike Love, who creates a travelogue of Paris containing enough French lyrics to ensure that an American listener won't know what he is saying (curiously, he does this frequently at this point of his career, with the songs "Mele Kali Kimaka" and "Sumahama"). For listeners only, however, the melody is sweet and the harmonies are in the absolute finest Beach Boys tradition. Overall, a pleasant listen.	Bruce Beatlefan	August 29, 2009

Lyrics

Bells are ringing, soul of France
Bells are singing of romance.

C'est tres jolie en Paris in the spring
Watching all the lovers walk along the Seine
Pitch a penny in her like a wishing well
Feed the pigeons in the park near Tour-Eifelle

Bells are ringing, soul of France
Bells are singing of romance

There's a chapel "Sacre Coure" in quaint Montmarte
In the open air the painters show their art
In the restaurant sip a beaujolies
What a perfect way to spend a lovely day

Bells are ringing, soul of France
Bells are singing of romance

Sunday morning, hear the bells of Notre Dame
Watching belles jeunes filles and the handsome gendarmes
Near the Arc De Triomphe on the Champs-Elysees
Coffee and croissants in a sidewalk cafe.

Some people go to see the races at Deauville
Or weekend by the racing tides of Mont San Michelle.
Some take the tour of Chartres on an autobus
While the writers and the artists never leave Mont Parnasse.

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