10 songs about Paris that could help the French celebrate the World Cup

The World Cup was the dominant theme of the sports world last week but, not even being a lukewarm fan of football, I only saw about ten minutes of the action. The only reason I watched that limited segment is because one game went over its estimated time, which voided the Judge Judy episode I had intended to watch.

However, a snippet from the post-championship game caught my eye and, more importantly, my ear. As the video played, the Croats, after a heartbreaking loss in the final round, were heard singing a song that I immediately recognized.

It was the Oasis hit “Don’t Look Back In Anger” from the British band’s most popular album, What’s the Story Morning Glory. It is the second most famous song on that album, second only to the classic single “Wonder Wall”.

It struck me as a bit of an odd tune for the World Cup runner-up, but it made me contemplate which song his victorious opponents would choose. Those in the winner’s circle could celebrate by playing a familiar song that mentions the capital of their country, the European nation of France.

Here are ten songs that mention that same city in their titles.

Let’s Tango In Paris by the Stranglers

This is one of the acoustic numbers from Feline, the 1980 album that marked the band’s definitive transformation from punk rock to a more accessible sound.

Free Man in Paris by Joni Mitchell

“Help Me” and “Chelsea Morning” combined with this classic to make Court and Spark the folk singer’s most commercially successful album.

The Paris Murders of Elvis Costello

French monuments like the Eiffel Tower are mentioned in this excellent song by Blood and Chocolate, produced by Nick Lowe.

One night in Paris for 10cc

A musical epic in three parts, this opening sets the stage for the band’s hit album, The Original Soundtrack.

Paris 1919 by John Cale

After leaving the Velvet Underground, Cale made many solo records, none better than the one this title track comes from.me

I’m throwing my arms around Paris by Morrissey

The city of love doesn’t seem like a likely destination for the Smiths’ often melancholic singer, but here he figuratively embraces it.

Dreaming of Paris by Van Dyke Parks

In addition to producing great records by Phil Ochs, Harry Nilsson and Biff Rose, Parks proved here and on other Songs Cycled tracks that he could make great records on his own.

Go to Paris for the Waterboys

It wasn’t as big a hit as “The Whole of the Moon”, but it’s more representative of the typical British alternative band sound.

I love Paris by Frank Sinatra

Ella Fitzgerald made the song a standard, but Old Blue Eyes is responsible for my favorite performance.

Leaving for Paris by Rufus Wainwright

Loudon’s son and Martha’s sister has made many fine records of his own, as this track proves.