Poor People of Paris
Billy Vaughn & His Orchestra Lyrics

Just got back from Paris, France
I have recently returned from a trip to Paris, the capital of France

All they do is sing and dance
The people of Paris are known for their love of music and dancing

All they've got there is romance
Paris is considered the city of love and romance

What a tragedy
However, this focus on love and romance may be seen as a negative thing

Every boulevard has lovers
The streets of Paris are filled with couples in love

Every lover's in a trance
These couples are so in love that they seem to be in a trance-like state

The poor people of Paree
This is a reference to the less fortunate residents of Paris who may not be able to fully enjoy the city's romantic atmosphere

I feel sorry for the French
The singer expresses sympathy for the people of France

Every guy has got a wench
It seems that every man in Paris has found a woman to love

Every couple's got a bench
These couples can often be found sitting on park benches, enjoying each other's company

Kissing shamelessly
These couples aren't afraid to show their affection in public

Night and day they're making music
Music can be heard throughout the city, day and night

While they're making love in French
Not only is there music in the air, but there is also a lot of romantic activity going on

Milk or water from the sink
Parisians prefer to drink wine rather than milk or water

Make a true Parisian shrink
Drinking anything other than wine is seen as strange or unacceptable by the French

Wine is all he'll ever drink
Wine is the preferred beverage of the French

And it worries me
The singer expresses concern over the French people's heavy consumption of wine

For with wine as cheap as water
Wine is so prevalent and inexpensive in Paris that it can be a cause for concern

Oh, it makes one stop and think
This abundance of wine makes the singer ponder the culture and lifestyle of the French

Sister met a boy named Pierre
The singer's sister had a romantic relationship with a man named Pierre

Had the craziest affair
Their relationship was intense and passionate

And the day they parted there
When they had to say goodbye

He cried bitterly
Pierre was very emotional and upset when they parted

Pierre was there to bid her farewell
Pierre was present to say goodbye to the singer's sister

But he brought his new girl, Claire
However, Pierre had already moved on and was with his new girlfriend Claire

So don't go to Paris, France
The singer warns others not to visit Paris

Not unless you like to dance
Unless you enjoy dancing, or are comfortable with being around those who do

Not unless you want romance
Or unless you are interested in experiencing Paris's romantic atmosphere

Like those poor inhabitants of Paree
Just like the less fortunate residents of Paris who may not be able to fully appreciate the romantic nature of the city