Je te veux

"Je te veux" ("I Want You") is a song composed by Erik Satie to a text by Henry Pacory. A sentimental waltz with erotic lyrics, it was written for Paulette Darty, whose accompanist Satie had been for a period of time. The text consists of two verses and a repeated chorus.

Cover of the original 1903 sheet music for Je te veux

Darty first performed the song in 1903 at La Scala, then a popular cabaret in Paris. In 1925, the song was recorded with Yvonne George as singer. Other notable singers who performed the song include Mathé Altéry, Régine Crespin, Nicolai Gedda, and later Jessye Norman, Marie Devellereau, and Angela Gheorghiu. Jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant performed the song on Jacky Terrasson's 2012 album Gouache.[1] John Cage instructs the performer to do the piano and voice version as part of his nine short songs, "Sonnekus²" (1985).[2]

The song was registered with SACEM on 20 November 1902, but Alexis Roland-Manuel argued it had actually been composed in 1897. Satie composed various versions of the "Je te veux" waltz: for piano and voice, for an orchestra of brass instruments, and for full orchestra (including a trio). The piano and voice version was first published in 1903.[3] The composer later arranged the work for solo piano, adding a middle section between the second chorus and the second verse.[4]