Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)

Regina Spektor

About Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)

"Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)" is a song by Regina Spektor, from her 2012 album What We Saw from the Cheap Seats. It was released as the album's second single on March 26, 2012. Although a handful of critics assumed this was an English-language cover version of Jacques Brel's song "Ne me quitte pas", Spektor's song is different in every way except the title. The chord structure, melody, and lyrics are all completely different. Brel's song was written in the key of A minor, in 3/4 time. It is a slow, haunting story of a man trying to win back his former lover—a song about the cowardice of men according to Brel. In contrast, Spektor's song is lively, in 4/4 time, and in a major key. Its lyrics evoke a carefree jaunt through various neighborhoods of New York City, the narrator describing all the beautiful and interesting things encountered along the way. Somehow the narrator ends up in the cafés and gardens of Paris, and the song ends with repeated declarations of love for Paris in the rain. The song was previously released on Spektor's 2002 album Songs, simply titled "Ne Me Quitte Pas". This version of the song featured just Spektor and her piano, while the 2012 version includes a drum machine, horns and brass instruments. The song also features lyrics sung in both English and French, evident in the title. In June 2012, Spektor released yet another version of the song online, keeping the multi-instrument production heard on What We Saw from the Cheap Seats, but replacing the English verses with Russian lyrics. The new rendition was titled "Не Покидай Меня". 


Year:
2012
3:37
392 
#1

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Down on Bowery they lose their
Ball-eyes and their lip-mouths in the night
And stumbling through the streets they say
"Sir, do you got a light?"
And if you do then you're my friend
And if you don't then you're my foe
And if you are a deity of any sort
Then please don't go

Ne Me Quitte Pas, Mon Chere
Ne Me Quitte Pas
Ah ah ah ah Ne Me Quitte Pas, Mon Chere
Ne Me Quitte Pas

And down on Lexington they're wearing
New shoes stuck to aging feet
And close their eyes and open
And they'll recognize the aging street
And think about how things were right
When they were young and veins were tight
And if you are the ghost of Christmas Past
Then wont you stay the night?

Ne Me Quitte Pas, Mon Chere
Ne Me Quitte Pas
Ah ah ah ah Ne Me Quitte Pas, Mon Chere
Ne Me Quitte Pas
Ooh ooh ooh ooh Ne Me Quitte Pas, Mon Chere
Ne Me Quitte Pas
Ah ah ah ah Ne Me Quitte Pas, Mon Chere
Ne Me Quitte Pas

Down in Bronxy-Bronx the kids go
Sledding down snow-covered slopes
And frozen noses, frozen toes
The frozen city starts to glow
And yes, they know that it'll melt
And yes, the know New York will thaw
But if you are a friend of any sort
Then play along and catch a cold!

Ne Me Quitte Pas, Mon Chere
Ne Me Quitte Pas
Ah ah ah ah Ne Me Quitte Pas, Mon Chere
Ne Me Quitte Pas
Ooh ooh ooh ooh Ne Me Quitte Pas, Mon Chere
Ne Me Quitte Pas
Ah ah ah ah Ne Me Quitte Pas, Mon Chere
Ne Me Quitte Pas

I love Paris in the rain
I love Paris in the rain
I love, I love, in the rain

I love Paris in the rain
I love Paris in the rain
I love, I love, in the rain

Oh I love, I love, in the rain
Oh I love, I love, in the rain
Oh I love, I love, in the rain

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Regina Spektor

Regina Ilyinichna Spektor (Russian: Реги́нa Ильи́нична Спе́ктор, IPA: [rʲɪˈɡʲinə ˈspʲɛktər]; /rɨˈdʒiːnə ˈspɛktər/; born February 18, 1980) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. Her music is associated with the anti-folk scene centered in New York City's East Village. more »

2 fans

Written by: REGINA SPEKTOR

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Musical Composition
"Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)" was written and performed by Regina Spektor. It featured in her album "What We Saw From The Cheap Seats," released in 2012. The song is written in the key of F major.
Song Inspiration
The song's title is derived from Jacques Brel's song "Ne me quitte pas". Though Spektor's song does not directly reference or lyrically correspond with Brel's song, the borrow of the title suggest a nod towards the Belgian songwriter.
Single Release
"Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)" was released as the second single from "What We Saw From The Cheap Seats" on April 26, 2012.
Previously Recorded Version
Interestingly, "Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)" is a re-recorded version of the song "Ne Me Quitte Pas," which appeared on Regina Spektor's 2002 album "Songs."
Song Languages
Despite its French title, the song lyrics are mainly in English, containing only a few French words.
Music Video
Its official music video was released on June 13, 2012, and features scenes of Regina Spektor in various colorful, whimsical, and dreamlike settings.
Use in Media
"Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)" was used in the closing credits of the 2012 film "To Rome with Love", directed by Woody Allen.
Covid-19 Performance
Regina Spektor performed the song in her home during a Facebook live concert for fans during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.
Song Length
The running length of both versions of "Don't Leave Me" are different. The 2012 version is 3 minutes 40 seconds long, while the 2002 version, titled "Ne Me Quitte Pas," is only 3 minutes 37 seconds long.
Chart Performance
"Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)" reached number nine on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart in 2012.

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