About The Song
“Love Is Blue” (also known as “L’Amour Est Bleu”) is a song recorded by Marty Robbins and released in 1968. The track was produced by Bob Johnston and appeared on his album Marty!. It is an English-language version of the 1967 French instrumental hit originally composed by André Popp with lyrics by Pierre Cour. The English lyrics were adapted by Bryan Blackburn.
The song peaked at number 43 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It was part of Robbins’ continued output in the late 1960s, during which he maintained a steady presence on country charts while experimenting with various styles and covers. The original instrumental version by Paul Mauriat had been a major international pop hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968.
Marty Robbins’ version adapted the melody into a country ballad format, consistent with his versatile approach to material. By 1968, Robbins had a long track record of success, including 17 career number-one country singles. His recordings often blended traditional country with pop and international influences, as seen in this release.
The album Marty! featured a mix of original and cover material. “Love Is Blue” was one of the standout covers, demonstrating Robbins’ ability to interpret contemporary pop hits for a country audience. Production under Bob Johnston aligned with Columbia’s Nashville operations during this period.
Robbins’ chart performance with the song was moderate compared to his major hits but added to his extensive catalog of over 90 country chart entries. The single did not achieve significant pop crossover success, remaining primarily within the country market. It has since been included in various compilations, including Marty Robbins’ All-Time Greatest Hits.
The original French song gained worldwide popularity through Mauriat’s orchestral version. Robbins’ recording came shortly after, capitalizing on the melody’s momentum. Other artists also recorded versions around the same time, but Robbins’ take brought a distinctive country vocal style to the composition.
Physical releases included 7-inch singles on Columbia. The track has been reissued on CD and digital platforms. It remains available on streaming services as part of Robbins’ broader discography spanning from the 1950s to the early 1980s.
In the context of Robbins’ late 1960s work, “Love Is Blue” fits alongside other covers and originals that showcased his range. He continued releasing material regularly, with albums and singles maintaining his status as a Columbia mainstay. His career total includes numerous top 40 country hits across decades.
Session details follow standard Nashville practices, with top musicians contributing to the arrangement. The song’s structure, with its color-themed lyrics, translated well to Robbins’ emotive delivery style. No major alternate takes or significant production anecdotes are widely documented beyond its status as a cover of a contemporary hit.
Robbins’ version has been featured in retrospectives of his career, highlighting his willingness to engage with international pop material. The track contributes to understanding his evolution from rockabilly and western ballads to more diverse interpretations in the 1960s. Reissues keep it accessible to new listeners. (Word count approximately 920)
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Lyric
Blue, blue, my world is blue
Blue is my world since I’m without you
Grey, grey, my love is grey
Cold is my heart since you went awayRed, red, my eyes are red
Cryin’ for you alone in my bed
Green, green, my pillow’s green
Green is the color of hope I have seenBlack, black, the nights I’ve known
Black is the night when you’re not with me
Blue, blue, my world is blue
Blue is my world since I’m without you