When people speak of Gay Paree,
They think that when they say Paree is gay,
They mean that gay Paree is Gay;
It is! Not in the way Paree
Was gay in yesterday Paree;
It means today that gay Paree is Gay!
Not that gay!
They say Paree has always been that way!
Along the banks of the Seine,
Just take a walk now and then,
You'll meet some interesting men: Gay Paree!
Along the Rue Madeleine,
Each evening 'round about ten
You'll see it time and time again: Gay Paree!
If you've a soirée to spare,
Go to the Follies Bergeres,
You'll see such gaiety there,
C'est la vie!
Around the Rue des Beaux-Arts,
Where all the cabarets shows are
I mean, well, really those are,
You'll agree,
What they mean when they say Gay Paree!
The Faubourg Saint-Honoré,
Where all the millionaires play,
Is also I'm so glad to say: Gay Paree!
The Rue de Rivoli Arcade
Where fancy goods are displayed,
There's also bound to be rough trade: Gay Paree!
And in arrondissement eight,
The Champs Elysées I would rate
Perhaps the one thing that's straight as can be.
And at the Cafe de la Paix,
If you are heading that way,
They drink a toast ev'ry day around three;
They make each moment as gay
As Le Quatorze Juillet;
That's what they mean when they say
Gay Paree!