Parisienne Walkways

Gary Moore

About Parisienne Walkways

"Parisienne Walkways" is a song by guitarist Gary Moore that reached number 8 in the UK Singles Chart in May 1979. The song is featured on Moore's album Back on the Streets and features a vocal from Thin Lizzy frontman, Phil Lynott, who co-wrote the song with Moore. Lynott also played bass guitar on the track, alongside Thin Lizzy drummer Brian Downey, thus reuniting the short-lived 1974 Thin Lizzy line-up which had recorded "Still in Love with You" and the single "Little Darling". The melody of "Parisienne Walkways" is based on the jazz standard "Blue Bossa" by Kenny Dorham. It became Gary Moore's signature song. According to Richard Buskin, the opening line, "I remember Paris in '49,” was an amendment of the line as it appeared in the original sheet music — "I remember Paris in the fall tonight” — and refers to Phil's missing father, Cecil Paris and his birth-year, 1949. A lament for the father he never had, dressed up in romantic nostalgia. The guitarist continued to play the song as an encore at concerts throughout his career. A live version of the track, recorded at The Royal Albert Hall, was released in 1993 as part of a limited edition 4-track CD single entitled "Parisienne Walkways '93" and went on to reach #32 in the UK Singles Chart. This version appeared on Moore's 1993 live album Blues Alive and was also included on the 2002 compilation album The Best Air Guitar Album In The World.... II. The original single and a (previously unreleased?) 1983 live version feature as the first and final track on the 2006 compilation, The Platinum Collection. 


Year:
2009
11:31
159 
#1

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I remember Paris in '49
Champs Elysees, Saint Michel and old Beaujolais wine
And I recall that you were mine
In those Parisienne days

Looking back at the photographs
Those summer days spent outside corner cafes
Oh, I could write you paragraphs
About my old Parisienne days

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Gary Moore

Robert William Gary Moore (4 April 1952 – 6 February 2011), was a Northern Irish musician, most widely recognised as a blues singer and guitarist. more »

4 fans

Written by: Gary Moore, Philip Parris Lynott

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Parisienne Walkways" is a song by the Irish guitarist Gary Moore that appeared on his 1978 album "Back on the Streets."
Guest Artist
The song features a vocal contribution from Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, who also co-wrote the song with Moore.
Chart Performance
The song reached number 8 in the UK Singles Chart in 1979, making it Gary Moore's biggest solo hit.
Signature Tune
"Parisienne Walkways" is widely recognized as Gary Moore's signature tune. It showcases his ability to seamlessly blend his rock and blues styles.
Live Performances
Gary Moore often extended his live performances of the song to showcase his virtuosic guitar playing, sometimes lasting up to 10-15 minutes.
Classic Solo
The song's signature guitar solo includes a long note held for over a minute and a half during live performances. This note is frequently cited as one of the great moments in rock guitar history.
Inspiring Location
Gary Moore said in a 1995 interview, that the song was inspired by his many visits to Paris with Phil Lynott.
Album Success
The album "Back on the Streets" where "Parisienne Walkways" appears, upon its release reached number 5 in the UK Album chart.
Re-Emergence
In 1993, a live version of "Parisienne Walkways" reached #32 in the UK singles chart. This version was from the album "Blues Alive" and reached a broader audience, introducing Moore's music to a new generation.
Legacy
Following Moore's death in 2011, "Parisienne Walkways" re-entered the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 59. This was a clear indication of the enduring love fans had for this classic song.

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