Après toi


"Après toi" was the winning song of the Eurovision Song Contest 1972 performed in French by Greek singer Vicky Leandros, representing Luxembourg. The song was co-written by Leandros' father Leandros Papathanasiou, also known as Leo Leandros, under his pseudonym Mario Panas. This was Vicky Leandros' second entry in the Contest. In 1967 she had finished fourth with "L'amour est bleu" which subsequently went on to become a worldwide hit when covered by French orchestra leader Paul Mauriat.

Description

"Après toi" is a dramatic ballad, with the singer telling her lover what will happen to her once he has finally left her for someone else; "After you I will be nothing but the shadow of your shadow".
The song was performed seventeenth on the night. By the close of voting, it had received 128 points, placing it first in a field of 18.

Cover versions

Vicky Leandros also recorded the song in an English language version "Come What May" which was widely released around the world. In South Africa it was a number one hit. In Britain and Ireland it reached number two in the charts of both countries. Leandros also recorded the song in Italian, German, Spanish, Greek and Japanese.
"Après toi" was succeeded as Contest winner in 1973 by Anne-Marie David singing "Tu te reconnaîtras", also for Luxembourg.
As with "L'amour est bleu", "Après toi" has been afforded a number of translated cover versions including "Jak mám spát" recorded by Helena Vondráčková, "Keď si sám" recorded by Eva Kostolányiová, "Rakastan saavuthan" recorded by Carola Standertskjöld, "Posle tebe" recorded by Lola Novaković, "Vắng bóng người yêu" recorded by Thanh Lan, "Si te vas" recorded by Paloma San Basilio, "Vad än sker" recorded by Ann-Louise Hanson and "След теб", recorded by Lili Ivanova.
The English version "Come What May" was covered by Filipina singer Pilita Corrales on her 1976 album Live At The Riveira With Pilita Amado Vol. 2.
The Turkish version "Aşk mı Bu" was covered by Ayla Algan in 1973.

Charts