The world of music mourned the loss of Peter Sarstedt, the India-born, UK-raised singer-songwriter, who passed away on January 8, 2017, at the age of 75 after battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy for six years. While Sarstedt enjoyed a prolific 50-year career and released numerous albums, he is most fondly remembered for his timeless hit, “Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)”. This song, a number one hit in the late 1960s, experienced a resurgence in popularity after being featured in Wes Anderson’s 2007 film, The Darjeeling Limited, where it served as the opening track of the soundtrack.
For many, including those unfamiliar with Sarstedt’s wider discography, “Where Do You Go To My Lovely” became an instant earworm and a beloved classic. Its inclusion in The Darjeeling Limited, a film known for its eclectic and carefully curated soundtracks, introduced the song to a new generation and solidified its place in popular culture. The song’s narrative and sophisticated charm resonated with audiences, prompting many to delve deeper into Sarstedt’s work and appreciate the artistry behind this unique track.
Peter Sarstedt Where Do You Go To My Lovely single cover
“Where Do You Go To My Lovely” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a meticulously crafted story set to music. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Marie-Claire, a woman who ascended from humble beginnings in Naples to the glamorous echelons of Parisian high society. The song is rich with cultural references, name-dropping iconic figures like Marlene Dietrich, Zizi Jeanmaire, and Pablo Picasso, and places like the Boulevard Saint-Michel, St. Moritz, and Juan-les-Pins. These references aren’t mere name-dropping; they serve to illustrate Marie-Claire’s sophisticated world and the jet-set lifestyle she embodies.
The lyrics delve into the mystique surrounding Marie-Claire, questioning her inner thoughts and feelings beneath the veneer of wealth and glamour. The repeated line, “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,” reveals a yearning to understand the real person behind the opulent facade. The song subtly touches upon themes of social mobility, identity, and the often-hidden emotional landscapes of those who appear to have it all.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its sophisticated storytelling, its blend of catchy melody and thoughtful lyrics, and its ability to transport listeners to a bygone era of jet-set glamour and cultural fascination. Peter Sarstedt’s “Where Do You Go To My Lovely” remains a testament to his songwriting talent and a cherished piece of musical history, rediscovered and appreciated by new audiences thanks to its continued presence in films like The Darjeeling Limited. The song is a reminder of Sarstedt’s legacy and the lasting impact of his most famous creation.
Where Do You Go To (My Lovely) Lyrics
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
You live in a fancy appartement
Of the Boulevard of St. Michel
Where you keep your Rolling Stones records
And a friend of Sacha Distel
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
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-Pines
With your carefully designed topless swimsuit
You get an even suntan, on your back and on your legs
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
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
Your name is heard in high places
You know the Aga Khan
He sent you a racehorse for Christmas
And you keep it just for fun, for a laugh, haha
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, they give a damn
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
I remember the back streets of Naples
Two children begging in rags
Both touched with a burning ambition
To shake off their lowly brown tags, yes they try
So look into my face Marie-Claire
And remember just who you are
Then go and forget me forever
‘Cause 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
