THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

680-Gilbert Bécaud-A Little Love and Understanding.

1975-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 2.58. Bon Chanson.

Gilbert Bécaud was born François Gilbert Léopold Silly, on October 24th, 1927, in Toulon, France, he died of lung cancer, on December 18th, 2001, at the age of 74. Gilbert Bécaud is one of France’s most celebrated artists, who during his 53 year career, was a singer, composer, pianist, and actor, who because of his energetic on stage performances, earned himself the nickname ‘Monsieur 100,000 Volts.’ Prior to pursuing a music career, and after leaving school in 1942, Gilbert Bécaud joined the ‘French Resistance,’ for the duration of World War II. He first began songwriting in 1948, working under the wing of Maurice Vidalin, (1924-1986) the pair began writing for the French actress and singer Marie Bizet, (1905-1998) and together they became a successful trio, through until 1950. It was while on tour as a pianist with the actor and singer Jacques Pills, (1906-1970) that Gilbert Bécaud was introduced to Edith Piaf, (1915-1963)(see also best songs 178) the then wife of Pills, and it was on Edith Piaf’s recommendation, that Gilbert Bécaud took up singing.

Gilbert Bécaud would go on to release 23 studio Albums between 1953-1999, and 15 live Albums, which were all recorded at his favourite venue, the ‘Paris Olympia,’ between 1955-2002. He also issued 13 official compilation Albums between 1959-2012, along with two soundtrack Albums, and seven Albums of music that he co-wrote for Operas, and musical comedies. Gilbert Bécaud appeared in nine films between 1953-1995, two of which were made for television, including the 1995 French TV series ‘Navarro as Sarkis.’

Gilbert Bécaud has had great success as a songwriter, both at home and abroad. His first hit in the English speaking world was the 1958 UK Number 1 single ‘The Day the Rains Came,’ which was performed by Jane Morgan, and was a cover version of Le jour où la pluie viendra,’ with English lyrics written by Carl Sigman (1909-2000.) Other notable songs written by Gilbert Bécaud include, ‘Et maintenant,’ which when re-written with English lyrics, once again by Carl Sigman, would become ‘What Now, My Love?’ (1961) which has gone on to become one of the most covered songs of all time. In 1980 Gilbert Bécaud joined forces with Neil Diamond, (see also best songs 536-426 and 13) to co-write five songs for the musical drama film ‘The Jazz Singer,’ including ‘Love on the Rocks,’ which when issued as a single, reached Number 2 on Billboard in America, and Number 17 in the UK.

‘A Little Love and Understanding’ was originally recorded by Gilbert Bécaud in 1972 as ‘Un peu d’amour et d’amitié,’ with the melody being written by Gilbert Bécaud, and the French lyrics by Louis Amade (1915-1992.) The song would become Gilbert Bécaud’s only international hit single in 1975, when it was re-written with English lyrics by Marcel Stellman (1925-2021.) Another of Marcel Stellman’s claims to fame was introducing the French television show ‘Des chffres et des lettres’ to the UK as ‘Countdown,’ in 1982. A Little Love and Understanding’ would go on to peak at Number 10 in the UK, but achieved it’s greatest success in Australia, where it spent three weeks at Number 1.

In ‘A Little Love and Understanding,’ the narrator is singing about how his partner is feeling alone. He tells his partner to leave their problems behind, and enjoy what they have in the present moment. The narrator reassures his partner that in time they will find peace of mind.

‘Your room is like a desert isle, you often filled with silent tears, So grab your coat, put on a smile, go out and buy yourself some cheer. Why sit there thinking of the past, recounting empty days gone by? Ah-ah, when you should make each moment last, it isn’t hard to do, just try.’