The Story Behind 'Michelle' by the Beatles

From the Jan. 31, 2021, American Profile "Stories behind the songs" by Jim Farber.

"MICHELLE"

WRITERS:  Paul McCartney and John Lennon, 1967

Before the Beatles' "Michelle" took the prize, no rock band had ever won a Top Song Grammy.  In truth, "Michelle" couldn't have rocked less. -- it swayed to a lilting melody penned by McCartney to recall his days as a student taking in Parisian culture.

But, because McCartney didn't speak French, he reached out to a friend for an assist with the translated part.  He also got help from Lennon, who devised the "I love you, I love you, I love you" bridge of the song.

"Michelle" went on to become one of only two Top Song winners to feature non-English lyrics.  The other:  "Volare," the very first winner in the category in the Grammy's inaugural year, 1959.

--RoadDog