The Autumn Leaves

Jacques Prevert

I seem to be writing about leaves a lot this week. Maybe that's because there are great piles of them at the curb everywhere I look when I go outside.

I was reminded of the poem "Autumn Leaves" by the great French poet Jacques Prevert, published in 1945. Johnny Mercer wrote English lyrics for the song in 1947 and it was made famous by various artists, including an instrumental version by Roger Williams.

Here's a combination French/English version by Edith Piaf: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db2xBJShCvA

Autumn Leaves

Words: Prevert/Mercer 
Music: Kosma

The falling leaves
Drift by the window
The autumn leaves
Of red and gold

I see your lips
The summer kisses
The sunburned hands
I used to hold

Since you went away
The days grow long
And soon I'll hear
Old winter's song

But I miss you most of all
My darling
When autumn leaves
Start to fall