I never knew the charm of spring...
Till. . .
April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
Holiday tables under the trees
April in Paris, this is a feeling
That no one can ever reprise
...
April in Paris
Whom can I run to?
What have you done to
My heart ?

There is a story about the song "April in Paris." E.Y. Harburg, the writer of the lyrics, was approached by a fan of the song. This man had saved for years to go to Paris in April because Yip Harburg's lyrics to Vernon Duke's melody were so evocative. But he found the weather so miserable, it bore no resemblence to Harburg's words. "But my goodness!" Harburg exclaimed, "Why did you go to Paris in April? It's cold and rainy and gray! It's so much nicer in May!" Then why, the fan asked, did you write "April in Paris?" Because, Harburg shrugged, May in Paris didn't scan.

Harburg was right. The weather was cold, damp and gray. The first day it poured rain. We got soaked. And cold. Still, it was raining in Paris. Then, the last two days were so beautiful, the song came totally alive. And "May in Paris" doesn't scan.

But next time, I'll go in September -- or May.

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