Peter Sarstedt – Where Do You Go To My Lovely

About the Song

Peter Sarstedt’s timeless classic, “Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)”, is more than just a song—it’s a captivating narrative, a poetic journey into the life of a mysterious and enchanting woman. Released in 1969, this track became an instant hit, earning Sarstedt an Ivor Novello Award and cementing his place in music history. But what is it about this song that continues to resonate so deeply with audiences even decades later?

At its heart, “Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)” is a story of contrasts. Sarstedt weaves vivid imagery through his lyrics, painting a portrait of a woman who has risen to the heights of European society yet remains tethered to her humble beginnings. The song’s narrative unfolds as if it were a letter, intimate and reflective, as the singer addresses the subject directly. This approach creates a sense of closeness, almost as if the listener is privy to a deeply personal conversation.

The melody, soft and lilting, perfectly complements the introspective tone of the lyrics. Accompanied by a delicate arrangement, Sarstedt’s warm, conversational vocal style draws listeners in, making them feel every word. There’s a wistful charm to his delivery—a blend of admiration, curiosity, and a hint of melancholy—that mirrors the complexities of the woman he describes.

What makes “Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)” so enduring is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and intrigue. The references to glamorous locales like St. Moritz and the Champs-Élysées, combined with details about the woman’s luxurious lifestyle, transport the audience to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication. Yet, beneath the surface of opulence, the song hints at deeper, unresolved emotions and the poignant reality of identity and origin.

Peter Sarstedt masterfully blends storytelling with melody in this song, creating a piece that is as much a work of art as it is a reflection on the human condition. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting it, this evocative ballad invites you to ponder the complexities of love, memory, and selfhood. It’s no wonder that “Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)” remains a cherished classic, a song that speaks to the heart while engaging the mind.

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Lyrics: Where Do You Go To My Lovely

You talk like Marlene Dietrich
And you dance like Zizi Jeanmaire
Your clothes are all made by Balmain
And there’s diamonds and pearls in your hair, yes, there are
You live in a fancy apartment
Off the Boulevard St. Michel
Where you keep your Rolling Stones records
And a friend of Sacha Distel, yes, you do

But where do you go to, my lovely
When you’re alone in your bed?
Tell me the thoughts that surround you
I want to look inside your head, yes, I do

I’ve seen all your qualifications
You got from the Sorbonne
And the painting you stole from Picasso
Your loveliness goes on and on, yes, it does
When you go on your summer vacation
You go to Juan-les-Pins
With your carefully designed topless swimsuit
You get an even suntan on your back, and on your legs
And when the snow falls you’re found in St. Moritz
With the others of the jet set
And you sip your Napoleon brandy
But you never get your lips wet, no, you don’t

But where do you go to, my lovely
When you’re alone in your bed?
Won’t you tell me the thoughts that surround you?
I want to look inside your head, yes, I do

Your name it is heard in high places
You know the Aga Khan
He sent you a race horse for Christmas
And you keep it just for fun, for a laugh, ha-ha-ha
They say that when you get married
It’ll be to a millionaire
But they don’t realize where you came from
And I wonder if they really care, or give a damn

Where do you go to, my lovely
When you’re alone in your bed?
Tell me the thoughts that surround you
I want to look inside your head, yes, I do

I remember the back streets of Naples
Two children begging in rags
Both touched with a burning ambition
To shake off their lowly-born tags, they tried
So look into my face, Marie-Claire
And remember just who you are
Then go and forget me forever
But I know you still bear the scar, deep inside, yes, you do

I know where you go to, my lovely
When you’re alone in your bed
I know the thoughts that surround you
‘Cause I can look inside your head

Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na-na