The 1951 Rolling Review Show … # 116
Welcome to the 1951 Rolling Review Show which twice weekly features pieces of music I have enjoyed at some time in my life. I hope you enjoy them as well. Let me know if you do.
“Hymne à l’amour”
“Hymne à l’amour” is a popular French song originally performed by Édith Piaf. The lyrics were written by Piaf and the music by Marguerite Monnot. Piaf first sang this song at the Cabaret Versailles in New York City on September 14, 1949. It was written to her lover and the love of her life, the French boxer, Marcel Cerdan. On October 28, 1949, Cerdan was killed in a plane crash on his way from Paris to New York to come to see her. She recorded the song on May 2, 1950.
“Hymne à l’amour” was translated into English by Piaf’s protégé Eddie Constantine as “Hymn to Love”. It was also adapted into English as “If You Love Me (Really Love Me)” with lyrics by Geoffrey Parsons, first recorded in this form in 1952 by Vera Lynn. There have been subsequent covers which include Kay Starr in 1954, Shirley Bassey in 1959, Brenda Lee in 1961 and “If You Love Me (I Won’t Care)” by Mary Hopkin in 1976.
1951 Club 
The French have such tragic love affairs *sigh*
Love pretty much anything Piaf! Such an emotional singer. 🙂
Oh oh oh oh. This was a perfect match for my tragic teenage imaginary love affairs. Thank you. And hey, what a voice.
Vera Lynn did a great version in 1952, but I prefer Mary’s.
😀🎶🍹
What a sad background story to that song.