Retiens la nuit

"Retiens la nuit" ("Hold back the night") is a song by French singer Johnny Hallyday from his 1961 studio album Salut les copains. It was also released as an EP in February 1962 and as a single two months prior. The song was also featured in the 1962 French comedy-drama anthology film "Les parisiennes", which starred Hallyday.

"Retiens la nuit"
Single by Johnny Hallyday
from the album Salut les copains
Language	French
English title	Hold back the night
Released	16 December 1961 (1961-12-16)
Recorded	November 1961 (1961-11)
Length	2:57
Label	Philips
Composer(s)	Georges Garvarentz
Lyricist(s)	Charles Aznavour
Producer(s)	Lee Hallyday
Johnny Hallyday singles chronology
"Viens danser le twist" (1961) "Retiens la nuit" / "Ya ya twist" (1961) "I Got a Woman" (1962)
EP
Music video
"Retiens la nuit" (French TV, 1961) on YouTube

Composition and writing

The song was written by Charles Aznavour and composed by Georges Garvarentz.^[1]

Commercial performance

In France the single spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the singles sales chart (in March–May 1962).^[2]

Track listing

7-inch single Philips 372 946 PF (1961, France etc.)

A. "Retiens la nuit"

B. "Sam'di soir"^[3]

7-inch EP Philips 432.739 BE (1962, France etc.)

A1. "Retiens la nuit" (2:54)

A2. "Sam'di soir" (3:00)

B1. "Ya ya twist" (2:27)

B2. "La faute au twist" (1:50)^[4][5]

Cover versions

The song has been covered by Charles Aznavour.