Lady Marmalade (song)

Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mýa, and Pink Writer(s) Bob Crewe Kenny Nolan Lil' Kim Missy Elliott Producer(s) Rockwilder Missy Elliott Length 4:24

"Lady Marmalade" is a song written by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan. The song first became a popular hit when it was recorded in 1974 by the American girl group Labelle. In 10 March 2001 the song was featured as part of a medley in the film Moulin Rouge!. For the film's soundtrack album, Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mýa, and Pink recorded a cover version; it was released as the soundtrack's first single in spring 2001. Produced by Missy Elliott and writing partner Rockwilder, it features an intro and outro from Elliott. A lyric was changed from the original version, with the song's setting being transferred from New Orleans to the Paris nightclub Moulin Rouge.

Music video

The music video, directed by Paul Hunter, features all four performers in lingerie in a cabaret–style video (rapper Missy Elliott made a cameo appearance) and was filmed in February 2001. in Los Angeles with sets built to resemble the actual Moulin Rouge night club around the turn of the century (1899). Interviewed by MTV News, the ladies expressed their excitement about the video. P!nk predicted the clip would be like a "circus on acid." Christina gushed, "The video's going to be dope," while elaborating on the video's concept, "We're going to be having cabaret costumes. It's something you've never seen from us before. So, it's going to be fun." The video's art direction was anachronistically merged hip-hop sensibility with the film's French cabaret setting, thanks to some props and costumes actually used in the movie, according to Hunter's office. Choreographer Tina Landon was hired to choreograph the video. Speaking on the collaboration, Christina said she embraced the idea of collaborating with Elliott, Pink, Mýa and Lil' Kim on the track as soon as it was pitched to her. "I'm a fan of all of theirs, and just to be in the same song doing something with them — collaborating, which I love to do, is a really big thing for me," she said. "And it's cool to be out there before my next album comes out there, too."[58] The video won the MTV Video Music Award for "Best Video of the Year" and "Best Video from a Film"; it was also nominated for "Best Dance Video", "Best Pop Video", "Best Choreography" (Tina Landon), and "Best Art Direction". The song won a 2002 Grammy Award in the category of "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals".

Lyrics

[Lil' Kim:] Where's all my soul sisters Lemme hear y'all flow sisters [Mya:] Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, flow sister Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, go sister [Mya:] He met Marmalade down in old Moulin Rouge Struttin' her stuff on the street She said, "Hello. Hey, Joe. You wanna give it a go?" Giuchie, Giuchie, ya ya dada Giuchie, Giuchie, ya ya here, here Mocha Chocalata ya ya Creole lady Marmalade [Lil' Kim:] What, what, what, what Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir Voulez vous coucher avec moi [Pink:] He sat in her boudoir while she freshened up Boy drank all that Magnolia wine On her black satin sheets is where he started to freak Giuchie, Giuchie, ya ya dada Giuchie, Giuchie, ya ya here Mocha Chocalata ya ya Creole lady Marmalade Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir, ce soir What, what, what Voulez vous coucher avec moi [Lil' Kim:] He come through with the money in the garter belts I let him know we 'bout that cake straight up the gate We independent women, some mistake us for whores I'm sayin', why spend mine when I can spend yours Disagree? Well that's you and I'm sorry I'mma keep playing these cats out like Atari Wearing high-heel shoes, getting love from the dudes Four bad ass chicks from the Moulin Rouge Hey sisters, soul sisters Better get that dough sisters We drink wine with diamonds in the glass By the case the meaning of expensive taste If you wanna Giuchie, Giuchie, ya ya Mocha Chocalata What? Creole Lady Marmalade One more time c'mon now Marmalade. Lady Marmalade. Marmalade [Christina:] Touch of her skin feeling silky smooth Color of café au lait alright Made the savage beast inside roar until he cried More, more, more [Pink:] Now he's back home doin' "9 to 5" [Mya:] Livin' the grey flannel life [Christina:] But when he turns off to sleep memories creep More, more, more Giuchie, Giuchie, ya ya dada Giuchie, Giuchie, ya ya here Mocha Choca lata ya ya Creole lady Marmalade Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir (ce soir) Voulez vous coucher avec moi (all my sisters) Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir (ce soir) Voulez vous coucher avec moi (c'mon!) [Missy:] Christina Pink (Lady Marmalade) Lil' Kim Mya Rockwilder baby, baby Moulin Rouge Misdemeanor here Creole Lady Marmalade Yes, ah

Image Gallery