You've Let Yourself Go
((Adapted from: Tu T'laisses Aller (Charles Aznavour) - 1960))
Composer(s): Charles Aznavour - Marcel Stellman)
Performer(s): Charles Aznavour - 1965
and multiple other artists

Versions In Other Languages:
1962 - Mijn Ideaal (Corry Brokken)
1970 - Ti Lasci Andare (Charles Aznavour)
1982 - Du Lässt Dich Geh'n (Charles Aznavour)
2004 - Je Laat Je Gaan (Koen Crucke)



It's funny, when I look at you
While not a single word is said
I know, I had a drink or two
But that's not what's gone to my head
I laugh and I recall our youth
Perhaps you'll say that I'm uncouth
But it's high time you knew the truth
About the way you make me feel
And what the future holds in store
For I can't stand it anymore

Why should I even try and hide
Whatever I may feel inside
You lie, you curse and you provoke
And then you treat it as a joke
You know, at times you go too far
Even in front of all my friends
How could we hope to make amends
You know that you've let yourself go

You look a sight, sure you look great
Your stocking seams, not even straight
And that old faded dressing gown
Your hair in curlers hanging down
What could I have been thinking of
Was it with you I fell in love
Are you the girl that could inspire
A heart with passion and desire
I gaze at you in sheer despair
And see your Mother standing there

In front of strangers you're the same
You don't mind putting me to shame
You contradict each word I say
Why, you would turn night into day
You like to hurt me when you can
I'm just a rug and not your man
I hit the jackpot, yes, I know
You've let yourself go

At times you're cruel, beyond control
Have you no heart, have you no soul
And as I take a look at life
I realise that you're my Wife
A little effort, not much more
And things could be just as before
You know, you'ld lose a little weight
If you would watch all that you ate
A little style, a little grace
And try to show a smiling face

I couldn't hate you if I tried
I really want you by my side
So try, try and be the girl I knew
Let's really start our love anew
I want to hold you in my arms
And then surrender to your charms
Let there be fire, not just a glow
Come close to me, let yourself go

----------


Alternate Version:



It's funny, when I look at you
And see that sour and solemn face
`Cause you're a very special case
Who's driven me to drink a few
A couple more, and I feel strong
Enough to have the guts to say
That I can't stand your spiteful tongue
Nor suffer all your nasty ways
Your body, though somehow still young
Throws all my dreams and hopes away

It grabs me here, now hear me right
I'm tired of being the underdog
Tired of being pushed and shoved
With all the love-lust in my heart
I had it all, you know it now
At times I'd like to wring your neck
You've changed, you really look a wreck
Let's face it, you've let yourself go

You're such a let-down to your sex
Your stockings twisted `round your legs
That same old faded dressing gown
Your hair in curlers, hanging down
What could I have been thinking of
Was it with you I fell in love
Are you the girl that could inspire
A heart with passion and desire
I gaze at you in sheer despair
And see your Mother standing there

In front of strangers you're the same
You don't mind putting me to shame
You contradict each word I say
Ah, you can turn night into day
I hit the jackpot, what a blow
The first time that I took you out
If you had learned to shut your mouth
But God knows, you've let yourself go

At times you're cruel beyond control
You have no heart, you have no soul
But as I take a look at life
I realise that, you're my Wife
A little effort, not much more
And things could be, just as before
You know, you'd lose a little weight
If you cut out the junk you ate
A little style, a little grace
And try to show a smiling face

I couldn't hate you if I tried
If I could just have by my side
The little girl that once I knew
To make me start our love anew
I want to hold you in my arms
And then surrender to your charms
Let there be fire, not just a glow
Come close to me, let yourself  go
Come close to me, let yourself go

----------


As sung by Liza Minnelli:



So we're alone again tonight
I read a book, you watch the fight
A stifled yawn, a can of beer
What an enthralling atmosphere
And yet the sight of us this way
Helps me to say what I must say
It helps me to think a thought or two
And pass it right along to you
And just for starters you should know
I think you've let yourself go

Down through the years each sage repeats
Grass never grows on busy streets
Which might explain that balding spot
Where you would think, or wish, or not
And where's that slender youth I knew
I fear he's grown an inch or two
Not up and down my joy and pride
But more precisely side to side

When at a party, now and then
You tell the same old jokes again
Or wear a lampshade for a hat
Who could be wittier than that
With one too many you just might
Pick some unnecessary fight
Though in the morning with the Sun
You can't remember what you've done
If there's regret, it doesn't show
You know, you've let yourself go

You never care the way you dress
You stay unshaven, you look a mess
The smallest thing is too much to do
I even hold the door for you
And every rose upon the shelf
Is one that I've supplied myself
It's not the same, I'm well aware
Yet I need to see them there

I don't know why I say it now
Why I don't hold my tongue somehow
But I've this need to tell it all
No matter where the chips may fall
For as I sit and reminisce
There are so many things I miss
The reassurance of your touch
The gentle smile that said so much
You were my tender, thoughtful beau, and now

I couldn't hate you if I tried
And I still want you by my side
We'll lay things on the line
Perhaps the fault is really mine
And if it is, please tell me so
A seed replanted still can grow
Maybe that's all we need to know
Come close to me and let yourself go

----------