"Paroles, paroles", Words, words, is a song by French singer Dalida featuring French actor Alain Delon. It was released on 17 January 1973 as the lead single from her upcoming album Julien (1973).
Lyrics describe the conversation of a man offering a woman caramels, bonbons et chocolat followed with shower of compliments, to what she says they mean nothing to her because they are just paroles – empty words.
The song achieved big success in France and internationally, especially in Japan and Mexico, becoming one of the most recognizable French songs of all time. The first video clip was released in 2019, over 46 years after the songs's release.
"Paroles, paroles" was composed by Gianni Ferrio and its lyrics written by Michaële [fr]. It is a cover of an Italian duet by singer Mina and Alberto Lupo. Dalida's release sparked numerous covers in various languages, mostly thanks to her international career.
The song was an unavoidable part of her repertoire, carrying her on tours in Europe, Japan, Latin America, the Arab world and the Francophone countries of Africa. Today it is regarded as Dalida's signature song and one of the classics of French chanson.
While the expression paroles, paroles entered everyday language, immediately upon its release it was picked up by French politicians, and is ever since "used to evoke those who make promises and never hold them".