Introduction
“Les Bicyclettes de Belsize,” a charming and whimsical tune, is a delightful piece of 1960s British pop. While it’s most famously associated with the velvety voice of Engelbert Humperdinck, the song has a fascinating history beyond his rendition.
Penned by the prolific songwriting duo of Les Reed and Barry Mason, “Les Bicyclettes de Belsize” was initially written for a short musical film of the same name released in 1968. The film, a lighthearted story about a young man’s infatuation with a model on a billboard, featured the song, though not sung by Humperdinck.
Humperdinck’s recording of “Les Bicyclettes de Belsize” was released as a single in 1968 and quickly climbed the charts, becoming a top ten hit in the UK and a moderate success in the US. His warm vocals and the song’s catchy melody captured the hearts of listeners, solidifying its place in pop culture history.
Interestingly, despite its French title, “Les Bicyclettes de Belsize” was written and performed in English. The title, which translates to “The Bicycles of Belsize,” was inspired by the French film “Les Parapluies de Cherbourg” (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg), though the two works share little else in common.
The song’s enduring popularity lies in its nostalgic charm and its ability to transport listeners back to the carefree days of the swinging sixties. Its catchy melody and lighthearted lyrics evoke images of sunny days, youthful romance, and the simple pleasure of riding a bicycle.
“Les Bicyclettes de Belsize” remains a beloved classic, a testament to the songwriting prowess of Reed and Mason and the vocal talent of Engelbert Humperdinck. It’s a song that continues to bring joy to listeners of all ages, a delightful reminder of a bygone era of pop music.