"I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise" is a song featured in the 1951 film An American in Paris with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. This song performed partly in French is the occasion for a spectacular number on a staircase with lighted steps that are meant to recall the cabaret performances at the Folies Bergère. According to Gene Kelly, the song required numerous takes to record because Georges Guétary’s English was so heavily accented as to be unintelligible.
Lyrics[]
(Verse)
Une chanson
C'est Paris
C'est Montmartre
C'est Robinson
C'est le jour qui je volerai pendant qu'un oiseau
Car l'amour est là à mon coeur
It's madness
To be always sitting around in sadness
When you could be learning the steps of gladness
You'll be happy when you can do
Just six or seven;
Begin today!
You'll find it nice
The quickest way to paradise
When you practice
Here's the thing to do
Simply say as you go
(Chorus)
I'll build a stairway to Paradise
With a new step ev'ry day!
I'm gonna get there at any price;
Stand aside, I'm on my way!
I've got the blues
And up above it's so fair
Shoes!
Go on and carry me there!
I'll build a stairway to Paradise
With a new step every day
I'll build a stairway to Paradise
With a new step ev'ry day!
I'm gonna get there at any price;
Stand aside, I'm on my way!
I've got the blues
And up above it's so fair
Shoes!
Go on and carry me there!
I'll build a stairway to Paradise
With a new step every day
With a new step every day!
