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A Quiet Brilliance: Petula's Songwriting Legacy

Petula at her gold-keyed Kemble piano that has been her familiar creative companion

Celebrated across the globe for her multifaceted career in entertainment, Petula stands as one of the most enduring and distinguished performers of her generation.

While widely admired for her vocal and acting talents, her contributions as a composer and lyricist are less often acknowledged. Though she has modestly downplayed her role as a songwriter, Petula has written over 200 works, spanning film themes, incidental scores, a fully staged London musical, an un-produced show, and even a U.S. Top 10 hit with You're the One, recorded by The Vogues in 1965.

Her songwriting journey began early. In October 1951, a newspaper reported that Petula had composed a 10-minute piano concerto, recorded at home in East Molesey. Plans were underway to orchestrate the piece for a possible release on the newly formed Polygon label, marking one of her earliest ventures into original composition.

From her first published work, Golden Guinea (1959), her catalogue grew steadily throughout the 1960s under contracts with Pye Records in the UK and Vogue in France. A creative partnership with lyricist Dee Shipman in the 1980s marked a particularly prolific period.

Writing in 2009, Dee Shipman, Petula's long-time co-writer and friend, offers a heartfelt reflection on Petula's brilliance as a composer:

"Even when someone is an iconic celebrity, each of us forms our own personal impression of them. Petula Clark is internationally celebrated as a gifted singer and actress, but fewer people truly know her as a writer.

For me, that's the side of Petula I know best. Over the years of our friendship and creative partnership, I've come to see her as a rare gem in the music industry: a composer with an extraordinary gift for melody who also deeply respects the craft of lyric writing.

Her auditory and kinesthetic sensitivity is remarkable, she's attuned to sound and feeling in a way that infuses every note she writes. And despite her immense talent, she remains modest about her abilities, which I believe makes her one of the most underrated songwriters in popular music. I hold her work in the highest regard, and she's an absolute joy to collaborate with."

Petula has described her songwriting process as intuitive, songs arise naturally rather than through commission or structured planning. This organic approach has yielded some of her finest recent compositions, including Butterfly In The Snow, Refugee, The Rainbow, Never Enough, Reflections, Happiness, I Won’t Care, Meant To Be, From Now On, Never Let Go, A Miracle To Me, Sacrifice My Heart, and Living For Today.

When asked how she would most like to be remembered, whether for singing, acting, or songwriting, Petula chose songwriting, seeing it as the most personal and direct expression of herself.

Novelist Fay Weldon once captured her quiet brilliance:

"Petula is a professional. She's a composer, performer, and a serious person. When she sits at her piano, sings a little, it sort of paralyses you with admiration. You can't resist it."

This feature celebrates the often-overlooked yet deeply resonant songwriting legacy of Petula Clark.

The songs listed here reflect Petula's creative voice, whether written entirely by her or in collaboration. While not a complete catalogue, this offers a heartfelt glimpse into the breadth of her musical legacy. Enjoy!

Over the years, more than 25 of Petula's original compositions have been issued in commercial sheet music format. Presented here is a curated selection of scanned highlights from the Fan Archive's vintage sheet music collection, showcasing four of these published editions:

(Above photographs and scans: Fan Archive Collection)

Petula's Songbook: A-Z of Her Compositions:

1966 L'AGENT SECRET Clark / Aber

Originally issued in 1966 on a French EP by Vogue (EPL 8477) and subsequently released in the UK by Pye (VRE 5019), Petula's composition playfully parodied the James Bond film themes that were popular at the time. The recording features Petula accompanied by Tony Hatch and his Orchestra, complete with stylised sound effects that enhanced its novelty appeal. The song proved successful, reaching the top 20 on the French hit parade.

1960 ALL OVER NOW Clark

Issued in August 1960 as the B-side to the anticipated single Cinderella Jones (Pye Records 7N 15281), All Over Now marked Petula Clark’s debut as both composer and lyricist. The recording features accompaniment by The Johnny Keating Orchestra and Chorus and was published by Henderson Music Ltd. Beyond its UK release, the single was also issued in Denmark on Metronome (B 1435), in Finland on Pye Records (7N 15281), and in France on Disques Vogue (45-PV 15099).

2012 ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME Clark / Shipman

Composed by Petula and Dee Shipman in 2012 for J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola, this evocative piece showcases a powerful lead vocal by Dave Willetts, recorded in 2014.

1989 / 2002 ALL THROUGH THE YEARS Clark / Shipman

A standout moment from the Clark / Shipman musical Someone Like You, All Through The Years, originally titled The Preacher's Wife, was among the final compositions completed in 1989, just weeks before the show premiered at The Arts Theatre in Cambridge. Rooted in the Major's ballad, the song served as the emotional climax of Act Two, closing the stage production with poignancy and depth.

In 2002, Petula revisited the piece, recording a more commercially styled version for her UK charting album The Ultimate Collection, released by Sanctuary. That same year, lyricist Dee Shipman penned two new sets of lyrics for Petula, further enriching the song's narrative layers.

Reflecting on the re-imagined version, Petula described the musical's setting, post-Civil War West Virginia, as a place she felt deeply connected to, with its mountainous landscapes and coal mining heritage. She noted that All Through The Years functions almost as a duet, subtly interwoven with the melody of the show's title song, Someone Like You. The lyrics, she added, were crafted by her close friend and collaborator, Dee Shipman.

1985 AMEN Clark / Shipman / Clayton

Seven distinct demo versions of the song Amen were written and recorded for the Clark / Shipman stage musical Someone Like You, which toured successfully across the UK in 1989 and later enjoyed a brief run at London's Strand Theatre (now The Novello Theatre) in 1990.

The variations included: Amen Coda, Amen II, Amen Credo, Amen - Which One Is Really Me?, Amen IV, Amen Catechism, and Amen - Into The Light.

Amen was among the earliest songs recorded for the project, with its first session held at Redwood Studios, London, on 26 June 1985.

A subsequent recording session at Redan Recorders in London on 11 December 1987 yielded polished demos, including an ensemble cast performance of Amen, alongside full company renditions of Into The Light, Get It Together, and Home Is Where The Heart Is. These sessions were funded by producer Bill Kenwright.

For the 1989 and 1990 productions, the version selected was Amen Catechism, which opened with a series of questions posed by Serena to Abigail and Andy. The song featured in Act Two and was reprised following the curtain calls, serving as a reflective and resonant closing moment.

1970 AMOR Grant / Giacotta

Amor is the Italian-language version of For Love, a song composed by Petula Clark, both music and lyrics, under the pseudonym Al Grant. It was released as the B-side to the Italian edition of The Song of My Life (E' Una Canzone Così), issued by Disques Vogue (VG 87.019). Recorded in Paris in 1970, Amor features the original 1967 backing track orchestrated by Ernie Freeman.

1970 L'AMOUR SENNUIE Grant / Colombier / Desage

Written under Petula's pseudonym Al Grant, L'Amour S'ennuie is the French adaptation of Beautiful Sounds, with lyrics reworked by Catherine Desage. The track appeared on the French album C'est Le Refrain De Ma Vie (Vogue CLD 773), featuring orchestration by Michel Colombier and production by Claude Wolff.

2012 AN ORDINARY MAN Clark / Shipman

Composed by Petula and Dee Shipman in 2012 for J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola, this evocative piece features a powerful lead vocal by Dave Willetts, recorded in 2014. The dramatic introduction, voiced by Willetts as Zola and Jacinta Mulcahy as Sandrine, sets the emotional tone with striking clarity. The performance is beautifully underscored by Greg Arrowsmith on piano, adding depth and resonance to the scene.

2012 ANGER Clark / Shipman

Written by Petula and Dee Shipman for Dave Willetts' solo album On and Off Stage, released in the UK by Silva Screen in January 1990. Although demo'ed by Willetts in 1989, the song was ultimately not included in the final album.

Lyricist Dee Shipman reflected on the inspiration behind the piece:

"I got the idea for this lyric when Petula and I were about to write a song for Dave Willetts. I wanted something with passion (which Dave sings particularly well), and a song on which he could use his 'big' voice as well as his 'little' voice! So I wanted to find a subject that had emotion and energy together; and although anger can be a destructive or negative emotion, it does have energy. I remembered a poem that had impressed me as a child, about not spoiling the world with anger and that inspired this lyric!"

She continued with a personal reflection on how young people form their values:

"I've often wondered, since then, what influences the young people of today; what forms - and informs - the building of their values. I thought about this again a couple of years ago, when my beautiful god-daughter, Chiara, then aged 7, came for a sleep-over. The TV news was on as she arrived, and before I could turn it off, she was sitting intently taking in the program, as one horrific story of terrorism, war, and violence followed another on the screen. I turned it off, and she was very still. Then she quietly said, 'Deedee, I don't think that the world is a bad place. I think it's a beautiful place. It's just that some people don't know how to behave properly!'"

Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, indeed!!

2009 ANOTHER CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU Clark

This newly composed and recorded piece was created for the Collectors Choice album This Is Christmas, released in November 2009. Produced and arranged by Joseph Baker, the track was recorded at Baker Boys Studio in New York.

1978 L'ANGLETERRE Clark / Delanoe

Petula's final single for the French CBS label was the lively, up-tempo Leve-Toi Petula, released in June 1979 by CBS (7368). Its B-side featured the more reflective ballad L'Angleterre, composed by Petula with French lyrics by Pierre Delanoe. Autobiographical in nature, the song traces Petula's childhood in England and is often referred to by its full title, N'oublie Jamais L'Angleterre. Although officially released in the summer of 1979, L'Angleterre had been recorded nearly a year earlier and was originally intended as the B-side to the single Le Grec.

1964 ASCENSEUR Clark

One of six thematic and incidental pieces composed by Petula for the 1964 French film A Couteaux Tires, with musical direction by Tony Hatch. All six tracks were released on the French EP A Couteaux Tires, issued by Disques Vogue in 1964 (EPL 8198). To date, none of these themes have been issued on CD, although the film itself is available on DVD.

1962 AVANT Gauney / Pitkowski / Clark

French vocalist Richard Anthony, originally from Cairo, recorded Petula's composition Avant, released in France in 1962 on the EP Delivre Moi (Columbia ESRF 1351). The song was co-written with Claude Pitkowski, who also collaborated with Petula on Darling Cheri and The Road. Paired with Anger, Avant stands as a rare example of Petula writing pop material specifically for other performers.

1970 BEAUTIFUL SOUNDS Grant / Colombier

Beautiful Sounds made its debut as the B-side to Petula's 1970 Warner Bros. single The Song Is Love (7422). Petula wrote the lyrics under her pseudonym Al Grant, set to a rock-inflected melody composed by Michel Colombier. The song was later featured as the opening number in her 1970 ATV television special. Decades on, Beautiful Sounds lent its name to New York cabaret artist Moira Danis' tribute show and album celebrating Petula's musical legacy.

1981 BECAUSE I LOVE HIM Clark

Written and composed by Petula, Because I Love Him was released in December 1981 as the B-side to Natural Love, marking her debut on the Scotti Brothers label. The track is one of ten recorded for the label, and saw international release across the US, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, New Zealand (all in 1981), and the UK (1982).

In the United States, the single performed well, reaching No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbing to No. 20 on the Country chart in February 1982. It also charted on the Adult Contemporary listings. Both songs were produced by Tony Scotti as part of an intended country-themed album.

Petula performed Natural Love and Because I Love Him on the BBC's Pebble Mill television programme. In the UK, the single was initially issued in 1981 as a promotional release on the Epic label (EPC A1645), followed by a commercial release in 1982 under Scotti Bros. (SCT A1645).

1963 BE GOOD TO ME Clark / Anthony

Be Good To Me was released in 1963 as the B-side to the Pye single Let Me Tell You (7N. 15551). Featuring lyrics by Petula Clark and music by Tony Hatch, writing under his pseudonym Mark Anthony, the single was produced by Hatch as part of Pye's effort to reignite Petula's UK pop career. Despite these intentions, the release did not chart.

The track later appeared on the Downtown LP and several EPs. On record, Petula is accompanied by Tony Hatch and his orchestra, with backing vocals provided by the Babs Knight Singers. The Spanish-language version of the song is titled Se Buena Conmigo.

A 16mm colour Scopitone film, shot in Quiberon, Brittany, features Petula in a variety of scenic settings, making it one of the earliest examples of a music video.

1996 BETTER LATE THAN NEVER Clark

Better Late Than Never, written and composed by Petula, was created in early 1996 and recorded at Angel Studios, London during a series of sessions funded by Reader's Digest. The recordings took place over five three-hour sessions between 21 and 23 October 1996. Up-tempo in style, the track features an arrangement by Kenny Clayton and was produced by Petula herself.

During these sessions, Petula revisited a selection of her 1960s hits and recorded various cover songs intended for inclusion on multiple Reader's Digest CD releases. While several titles were considered, such as The Power of Love and This Is the Moment, they were ultimately set aside.

Better Late Than Never received its first release in 1999 as part of the three-CD box set The Songs of My Life, issued by Reader's Digest.

1990 (IT'S A) BIG BIG COUNTRY Clark / Shipman

(It's A) Big, Big Country was composed in early 1990 as a new addition to Act Two of the West End production of Someone Like You. Written to deepen the dynamic between father and son, the song was performed on stage by Clive Carter (as Kane) and Lewis Rae (as Andy), and was reprised later in the same act.

Although no demo or commercial recording of the song exists, an audience-captured recording from the 1990 London run is preserved within the archive collection.

1970 BIG LOVE SALE Grant / Newburge

Written under Petula's songwriting pseudonym Al Grant, Big Love Sale was released as the B-side to her 1970 international hit single Melody Man. The single enjoyed notable success in Australia, where it climbed to No. 16 on the charts in October 1970.

1964 BLOUSONS NOIRS Clark

One of six musical themes composed by Petula for the 1964 French film A Couteaux Tires, with music direction by Tony Hatch. All six pieces were released on the French EP A Couteaux Tires, issued by Vogue in 1964 (EPL 8198). None of the themes have been issued on CD, though the film itself is available on DVD.

1975 BLUE LADY Clark

Blue Lady was the intended title track for Petula's unreleased 1975 country / easy listening album produced by Chips Moman. Recorded in Nashville that year, the album was scheduled for release in 1976 by ABC Dunhill, which had even assigned it a catalogue number (ABC 949). However, the project was shelved.

The song itself remained unreleased until 1995, when it was finally issued in the United States by Varese Sarabande on their Varese Vintage label (VSD-5610). Decades later, Blue Lady lent its name to a 2006 BBC retrospective documentary celebrating Petula's career.

2009 BUTTERFLY IN THE SNOW Clark

Butterfly In The Snow was one of several new recordings created for the specially curated holiday compilation This Is Christmas, released by Collectors Choice in the US for the 2009 festive season. A fresh composition by Petula, the track was arranged and produced by Joseph Baker at his New York studio, with backing vocals provided by Petula and Rozi Baker.

Distinct from Petula's earlier seasonal repertoire, the song carries a more contemporary and upbeat feel. It first appeared on the 2009 US release Petula Clark - This Is Christmas (Collectors Choice Music CCM-2083).

Later, Butterfly In The Snow was issued as a CD single in support of The Art Therapie Foundation, with all proceeds benefiting the charity. The single included a radio edit version running 3:52. Petula dedicated the song to severely ill children, describing it as a message of encouragement, awakening and nurturing positive emotions through its gentle, uplifting spirit.

1964 CANTANDO AL CAMINAR Clark / Shaper / Segura

Recorded in Paris on 16 November 1964, Cantando Al Caminar was one of four Spanish-language tracks Petula recorded for an EP issued by Vogue Spain (HV 27-126). The song is a Spanish adaptation of her 1962 twist-style composition The Road, which had gained notable popularity in France under the title Je Chante Doucement.

1977 A CAROUSEL Clark / Hernandez / Matteoni

A Carousel was a newly written song recorded in 1977 and released as the B-side to Petula's European single of Don't Cry For Me Argentina on CBS Records. Co-written with Guy Matteoni, who arranged much of Petula's French-language repertoire for CBS, the song was originally recorded in French as C'est Grand La Solitude, with lyrics by Michel Hernandez.

Petula later penned an English-language version, which was subsequently recorded and issued as a single in Yugoslavia, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, France, Portugal, and Canada.

2000 CELEBRATE Clark / Shipman

In the mid-1990s, Petula began developing an autobiographical one-woman show, collaborating with lyricist Dee Shipman. As part of the creative process, she revisited Three Time Loser, a song originally set aside during the Someone Like You musical project, and reshaped it into Celebrate. The first version was completed in 1994, though Petula continued refining the piece, eventually adding her own French lyric.

The final version of Celebrate premiered on 28 October 2000 at the St. Denis Theatre in Montreal. It was later reprised during Petula's performances at the 2001 Virginia Arts Festival, recordings of which were subsequently released on CD in the US by Varese Sarabande.

1977 C'EST MA DESTINEE Clark / Delanoe

C'est Ma Destinee is Pierre Delanoe's French adaptation of Petula's original composition You're My Destiny. Recorded in 1977, the song was included on her French-language CBS album Je Reviens (81986), released that same year. It also served as the closing number for her French television special Numero Un, broadcast in February 1978.
The album, which features C'est Ma Destinee, was additionally issued in Canada under the title La Chanson d'Evita (CBS PFS 90421) and in Australia on CBS (SBP 237004).

1966 C'EST TON AFFAIRE Clark / Delanoe

A French adaptation of Petula's original composition Your Way of Life, the song was featured on the 1966 Vogue EP La Mer Est Comme Toi (EPL. 8477), which included three additional Clark-penned titles. The EP was also issued in the UK by Pye Records under catalogue number VRE 5019.

1965 LE CIEL DE MON PAYS Clark / Hatch / Delanoe

Pierre Delanoe's French adaptation of the Clark / Hatch composition Hold On to What You've Got was featured on the Vogue EP Un Mal Pour Un Bien (EPL. 8386) and the LP Petula '66 (LD 692 30). The album was also released in the UK by Pye Records (VRL 3022) and in Canada by Vogue (VF-47021).

1971 CLOSE YOUR EYES Clark

Close Your Eyes is Petula's English-language interpretation of the dramatic French ballad Ferme Les Yeux Et Pense A Moi. Though recorded earlier, the track remained unreleased until 2000, when it was finally included on the Castle Music compilation Beautiful Sounds - The Petula Clark Songbook.

1965 LE COEUR QUI BAT Clark / Aber / Hatch

The French-language adaptation of the Clark / Hatch rock track Heart was featured on the charting EP Viens Avec Moi (EPL. 8342) and included on the Vogue compilation LP Petula ’65 (LD 671 30). The album was also released in the UK by Pye Records (VRL 3010) and in Canada by Vogue (VF 47019).

1962 LES COLIMACONS Clark / Delanoe

Among Petula's earliest autobiographical works, this song reflects her initial experiences with French life and culture. Arranged and orchestrated by Peter Knight, the track appeared on the 1962 Vogue EP Les Beaux Jours (EPL. 8035), released in France, and was also included on the 1962 LP Petula, issued by Vogue (PC1) and Pye Records (NPL. 18098).

1965 LA COLLINE AU WHISKY Clark / Magenta / Delanoe

The original French version of On the Path of Glory, recorded approximately two years prior, was presented with a somewhat novelty-style arrangement when it appeared on the Vogue EP La Gadoue (EPL. 8410), released in France in March 1966.

1987 COLOURS OF LOVE Clark / Shipman

Colours of Love is one of several pop-oriented collaborations between Petula and lyricist Dee Shipman, created for various album and single projects. Arranged by Cees Stolk, the vibrant track was recorded in 1987 in Hilversum, Holland for Petula's European release This Is My Song Album, also known as My Greatest. Produced by Dutch pop impresario Eddy Ouwens, the album carried a distinctly Euro-pop sensibility and was recorded over the course of November 1987 to January 1988.
A standout from the sessions, Colours of Love was later selected as the opening track for the 2007 songwriter retrospective In Her Own Write, released by Sepia Records.

2006 COME ALONG WITH ME Clark / Sturiale

Petula began collaborating with Grant Sturiale during the Broadway run of Blood Brothers. He later provided her with Here We Are, which opened her 1998 concert performances and was recorded for the Here for You album, released by Varese Sarabande.

Sturiale composed the melody for Come Along With Me, with Petula contributing the lyrics. The track was first recorded in New York in 2006, produced by Joseph Baker. It was later performed live at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane during Petula's concert with the BBC Concert Orchestra. Although recorded for a Friday Night Is Music Night broadcast, the performance was ultimately not aired.

The original 2006 studio version was later reworked with added vocals and instrumentation, and released on Petula's 2008 UK chart album Then & Now, issued by UMTV.

1974 COME ON HOME Clark / Amatangelo

Come On Home served as the title track of Petula's second album for Polydor Records (2383 279), released in the UK in 1974. The album was also issued in Japan on Polydor (MP 2398). The track was recorded in Las Vegas in early 1974 with Petula's then musical director Frank Owens and produced by Tony Scotti. True to Scotti's signature style, Come On Home leaned into the country-inflected, middle-of-the-road genre.

Curiously, the original 1974 recording resurfaced as the B-side to the 1989 remix of I Couldn't Live Without Your Love, released by Legacy Records. Following the unexpected success of Downtown '88, the label anticipated strong sales. However, the under whelming new mix, paired with a remix of Call Me (available only on the CD single of the PRT Legacy release, failed to make an impact on the UK charts.

1965 COSA CERCHI NEL MONDO Clark / Pallavicini

Vito Pallavicini was responsible for adapting much of Petula's repertoire into Italian, including this version of Where Am I Going. Re-titled Cosa Cerchi Nel Mondo, the track was issued as the B-side to the hugely successful Cara Felicita, the Italian rendition of This Is My Song, released by Vogue (J35129). The single reached the top of the Italian charts in April 1967.

1987 THE CREDO Clark / Shipman

The Credo stands among the most dramatic compositions written by Petula and Dee Shipman for their musical Someone Like You. Originally demo'ed in 1987 at Redan Recorders Studios in London, the song formed part of the Get It Together sequence. When the show was staged, The Credo evolved into a standalone number in Act Two, performed by the female leads, Abigail (Petula), Serena (Joanne Campbell), and Susannah (Jane Arden).

The Redan Recorders session, held on 11 December 1987, yielded a series of polished demos, including an ensemble rendition of Get It Together, along with full company performances of Amen, Into the Light, and Home Is Where the Heart Is. These recordings were funded by producer Bill Kenwright.

1995 CROSS THE BORDER Clark / Fietz

Petula penned the lyrics for Cross the Border as part of the German charity album Living Water, a project initiated by Siegfried Fietz to support humanitarian efforts in Africa. The recording features Petula accompanied by the Toronto Mass Choir, conducted by Dan Cutrona. The track was later included in the 2007 songwriting retrospective In Her Own Write, released by Sepia Records.

1965 DANCE WITH ME Clark / Hatch

Recorded during the 1965 sessions for the My Love LP, this album track was co-written and orchestrated by Tony Hatch. The album saw release in 1966, issued in the UK by PYE (NPL 18141), in the US and Canada by Warner Bros. (WS 1630), and in France by Disques Vogue (LD 689 30).

1965 DANSE AVEC MOI Clark / Hatch / Ballay

Recorded during the 1965 sessions for the My Love LP, this album track was co-written and orchestrated by Tony Hatch. The album saw release in 1966, issued in the UK by PYE (NPL 18141), in the US and Canada by Warner Bros. (WS 1630), and in France by Disques Vogue (LD 689 30).

1973 DANS LA VILLE Clark / Dabadie

Following her departure from Vogue France, Petula began recording for the French independent label Disc'AZ, which issued her self-titled album Petula in 1973. Several tracks from the album were later released as singles, including Une Carte D'Amitié (SG 461), which featured Petula's own composition Dans La Ville as its B-side.

1962 DANS LE TRAIN DE NUIT Clark / Cour

A twist-themed composition arranged by Peter Knight, this track was featured on Petula's 1962 French LP Petula, released by Disques Vogue (PC1), and in the UK by PYE (NPL 18098). It also appeared on the chart-topping EP Chariot, issued in France by Disques Vogue (EPL. 8000).

1980 DARKNESS Clark

In 1980, Petula composed a trio of songs collectively titled The Three Piece Suite, later referred to as The Trilogy. Featuring dramatic and expansive melodies, the suite was arranged by her then musical director Kenny Clayton and debuted in live performances that year across the United Kingdom and the Middle East. The opening piece, Darkness (Is Kind), was recorded on 18 April 1981 at Music Centre Studios in London. During the same session, Petula also recorded Edelweiss, with both tracks arranged and conducted by Clayton. The session was funded by the Scotti Brothers Record Company.

Darkness was subsequently released as the B-side to the EPIC single Edelweiss, timed to coincide with Petula's appearance in The Sound of Music at London's Apollo Theatre. The track remained unreleased on CD until 2010, when it was included as a bonus on the London Cast recording of The Sound of Music, issued by Pet Sounds International, some three decades after its original recording and release.

1962 DARLING CHERI Clark / Anthony / Gauney

An early 1960s collaboration between Petula and Tony Hatch, writing under his pseudonym Mark Anthony, Darling Cheri was recorded in 1962 with the Peter Knight Orchestra and vocal ensemble. The track was issued as the B-side to the PYE single I Will Follow Him (7N 15495) in 1963, and was also released in the United States, Italy, France, and Denmark.

In 1965, the song was adapted into German with lyrics by Kurt Hertha and appeared as the B-side to the German-language version of Downtown, released by Vogue Schallplatten (DV 14297).

1965 DARLING VERZEIH' Clark / Hatch / Vidal / Weber

The German-language version of Now That You've Gone, written by Petula and Norman Newell, was later released as the B-side to Komm Doch Mein Junge, the German adaptation of I Know a Place. The single was issued by Vogue Schallplatten (DV 14345).

1965 DEINE LIEBE IST WUNDERBAR Clark / Hatch / Montague

The German-language version of You're the One was released as the B-side to Verzeih' Die Dummen Tranen, the German adaptation of My Love. Arranged by Tony Hatch, the single was issued in 1966 by Vogue Schallplatten (DVS 14 489).

1964 DONNE MOI DES FLEURS Clark / Hatch / Delanoe

The French adaptation of the Clark / Hatch composition Gotta Tell the World, re-titled Donne Moi Des Fleurs, is an upbeat pop number featured on the Vogue LP Petula '65, released in the UK in 1964 by Disques Vogue (VRL 3010) and distributed by PYE Records. The album was subsequently issued in France in 1965 (LD 671 30), in Canada on Disques Vogue (VF 47019), and in Australia in 1972 on Summit Records (SRA 250.102).

Donne Moi Des Fleurs also formed part of Petula's live repertoire during the period and was captured on the Live '65 album, recorded at the Paris Olympia in April 1965. The performance remained unreleased until its debut some 35 years later.

1978 DON'T STOP THE MUSIC Clark

In 1978, CBS Records (UK) released the single (Life Is) Just a Dance with Time (S CBS 6781), the theme from the film The Greek Tycoon, starring Anthony Quinn and Jacqueline Bisset. The single was also issued in Holland, Portugal, and Spain under the same catalogue number (6781) via CBS Records. Its B-side featured Petula's original composition Don’t Stop the Music, with both tracks arranged by Aldo Frank.

Petula performed Don't Stop the Music on several European television programmes, including her 1979 Numéro Un French TV special and her 1978 At the Turn of the Year concert at Chichester Festival Hall, recorded for the ITV network by TVS. The live rendition featured a revised arrangement by Kenny Clayton, incorporating an alternate ending with vocal harmonies by backing singers Sunny and Sue.

2005 DRIVEN BY EMOTION Clark

Driven By Emotion was written in December 2004 and first recorded as a demo on 9 January 2005 in New York, with arrangements by Joseph Baker. Petula's then musical director, Kenny Clayton, reimagined the track with a smooth jazz-inflected arrangement tailored for her 2005 British concert tour. Replacing Memories of Love in her live repertoire, the song required a fresh, up-tempo and contemporary feel. Backing vocals for the click tracks were recorded by Petula and Melanie Stace during the final week of February 2005. The song made its live debut at Petula's concert at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend, on 7 March 2005.

A new studio version of Driven By Emotion, featuring additional spoken lyrics, was released in 2006 on Petula's CD single Together. Issued by her own label, Belle Tulipe (BT 0001), the single was sold exclusively online and at the Moon River Theatre gift shop in Branson, Missouri.

1968 DU BIST FUR MICH EIN MANN Clark / Hatch / Stroem

Nearly three years after the original release of Gotta Tell the World, Petula recorded a German adaptation titled Du Bist Fur Mich Ein Mann. The track was recorded in 1968 using the original 1965 backing and issued as the B-side to the German single Vom Wind Verweht, released by Vogue Schallplatten (DV 14772).

1964 E' FINITO TUTTO Clark / Pallavicini

The Italian rendition of Petula's popular ballad Forgetting You was recorded in 1964 at London's PYE Studios, with orchestral backing by the Peter Knight Orchestra. Produced by Ezio Leoni, the track was released as the B-side to the Italian hit Quelli Che Hanno Un Cuore, issued by Disques Vogue (J 35045). The single reached No. 4 on the Italian charts.

1963 ELLE EST FINIE - LA BELLE HISTOIRE Clark / Aber

Among Petula's most beloved French compositions, Elle Est Finie (La Belle Histoire) was featured on the highly successful Vogue EP Je Me Sens Bien (Aupres De Toi) (EPL 8078), released in 1963. The song was accompanied by a Scopitone film, shot on location in Paris, adding visual charm to its popularity. French vocalist Pierre Dorsey also recorded his own version of the song, which was likewise issued by Vogue.

1971 ELLE EST LA PUBLICITIE! Clark / Bernholc / Desage

Petula composed the melody for this upbeat track, which first appeared as the B-side to the single La Chanson De Marie Madeleine, released in France by Disques Vogue (V.45.4020). The lyrics were co-written by Catherine Desage, who contributed to several other Clark recordings during this period. The arrangement and musical direction were handled by Mike Steiphenson.

1986 EMPTY SPACES Clark / Shipman

One of the most poignant and emotionally charged songs from the score of Someone Like You, Empty Spaces was performed by Petula in the role of Abigail during Act One. The song was first demo'ed in December 1985 at Snake Ranch Studios, London, and remained in active development throughout the production's journey. Lyricist Dee Shipman crafted multiple versions to suit different dramatic contexts, with the original demo featuring a reprise sung by Steve Barton and Marjorie Barnes.

The final version, as staged, retained its Act One placement and was performed solely by Abigail. In November 1990, Petula reprised the song at her Barbican Centre concert in London, for which Dee Shipman wrote an additional verse to reflect the occasion.

2016 ENDGAME Clark / Williams

Endgame is a song co-written by Petula and John Owen Williams for her 2016 studio album From Now On. In addition to the standard CD release, the album was also made available as a vinyl LP, marking Petula's first studio album issued on vinyl since 1988. On the track, Petula performs on piano, while co-writer John Owen Williams contributes backing vocals. Commenting on the song Endgame, MOJO Magazine described it as “lovely… a tale of wanting to be with your loved one.”

1963 EST-CE L'AMOUR QUI VEUT CA Clark / Bernet

The original French version of Petula's composition Tell Me (That It's Love) was recorded in 1963. It appeared on the Vogue EP Entre Nous, Il Est Fou (EPL 8162) and was also featured on the Disques Vogue album Ceux Qui Ont Un Cœur (LD 623-30).

1964 ES IST VORBEI Clark / Aber / Brandtke

A previously unreleased German-language version of Elle Est Finie (La Belle Histoire) / This Is Goodbye was eventually made available on Bear Family's 1998 International Collection.

2015 EVERY DROP OF RAIN Clark / Allen

A collaborative effort between Petula and English folk-rock artist Jon Allen, whom she first met in 2014 while hosting the Vintage TV Sessions for Vintage TV.

1968 EVERY TIME I SEE A RAINBOW Grant / Trent

A rare songwriting partnership between Petula, credited under her pseudonym Al Grant, and the late Jackie Trent, this melodic ballad was released as the B-side to the international hit Don't Give Up. The arrangement was crafted by Johnny Harris.

1988 THE FACE OF LOVE Clark / Shipman

Written for the character Jeanne, Zola's mistress, in J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola, this ballad was first demo'ed by Petula in 1988 at Dower House Studios. The arrangement, featuring piano and synth accompaniment, was crafted by Kenny Clayton. The original demo was later released on the 2007 CD In Her Own Write. A new interpretation of the song was recorded in 2011 by Meredith Braun at Angel Studios, London, for the concept cast recording issued that same year by Stage Door Records.

1971 FERME LES YEUX ET PENSE A MOI Grant / Muller

Composed under Petula's writing pseudonym Al Grant, Ferme Les Yeux Et Pense A Moi is a dramatic melody featuring French lyrics by Véronique Muller. At the time, Muller was working as Petula's secretary in the early 1970s, before launching her own musical career and later representing Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest. The song was released in 1972 on the LP La Chanson De Marie Madeleine, issued by Disques Vogue in France (SLD 831) and in Canada (SLD 8005).

1989 THE FIGHT Clark / Shipman

Among the final additions to the touring production of Someone Like You, The Fight was still undergoing structural refinement just days before its debut at the Cambridge Arts Theatre. Arranged by Kenny Clayton, the piece served as a sweeping ensemble number performed by the full cast at the close of Act Two. A rehearsal recording of Clayton at the piano, working through the arrangement, survives and is preserved within the Fan Archive Collection.

1964 FILATURE Clark

One of six themes composed by Petula for the 1964 French film A Couteaux Tires, with musical direction by Tony Hatch. All six pieces of incidental music were released on the French EP A Couteaux Tires, issued by Disques Vogue in 1964 (EPL 8198). None of the themes have been released on CD, although the film is available on DVD.

1964 FORGETTING YOU Clark / Cour / Hatch

Another pre-Downtown collaboration between Petula and Tony Hatch, this track was issued as the B-side to the 1964 PYE single In Love, released by PYE Records (7N.15639). Both sides of the single showcased a slow, jazz-inflected arrangement.

1968 FOR LOVE Grant

Written under Petula's pseudonym Al Grant, For Love was recorded for her 1968 LP The Other Man's Grass Is Always Greener. Arranged by Ernie Freeman and produced by Claude Wolff, the song was later reissued in a double-tracked version as the B-side to the international single The Song of My Life, released in 1971.

1964 FRANCOISE Clark

One of six themes composed by Petula Clark for the 1964 French film A Couteaux Tires, with musical direction by Tony Hatch. All six pieces of incidental music were released on the French EP A Couteaux Tires, issued by Disques Vogue in 1964 (EPL 8198). None of the themes have been released on CD, although the film is available on DVD.

1968 FRERE JACQUES Clark / Delanoe

This pretty melody, composed by Petula with lyrics by Pierre Delanoe, was recorded in 1968 with orchestral accompaniment by Michel Colombier and his ensemble. The track was released as a standalone EP on Disques Vogue (EPL 8647) and later included on the 1969 LP Petula Clark (VRLS 3039).

1988 FRIEND OF MY HEART Clark / Shipman

From J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola, this ballad was written to capture Zola's emotional reflection on his fractured friendship with painter Paul Cezanne. The song was first demo'ed in 1988 by Dave Willetts at Dower House Studios, featuring piano and synth accompaniment arranged by Kenny Clayton. In 2011, two new recordings were made for the concept cast album: Willetts reprised the piece in his role as Zola, while Jill Martin, portraying Sandrine, recorded a reprise version. Both sessions took place at Angel Studios, London, and were released by Stage Door Records.

Lyricist Dee Shipman recalled the genesis of the musical as deeply personal and intuitive. Having already collaborated with Petula on Someone Like You, Shipman shared her passion for Zola's life and work, drawing parallels with the emotional depth of Aznavour's songwriting. As their creative partnership deepened, songs emerged organically, Petula responding instinctively at the piano to Shipman's lyrical ideas.

Shipman described a vivid dream that shaped the emotional core of the ballad: a hillside vision of Zola's youth and his bond with Cezanne, filled with beauty, sadness, and a sense of loss. The dream's lingering emotions became the lyrical foundation for the song, channeling Zola's regret and longing into a poignant musical moment.

2016 FROM NOW ON Clark / Degiorgio / Visser / Williams

From Now On marked Petula's creative reunion with producer John Owen Williams, known for his influential work on Peel sessions and for guiding the careers of The Housemartins and The Proclaimers during the 1980s. More recently, Williams produced Wisdom, Laughter and Lines for Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, a release that reached #4 on the UK charts.

The song From Now On served as both the title track of Petula's 2016 BMG studio album and the accompanying Senbla UK concert tour. Released on 16 September 2016 by BMG Rights Management, the album entered the UK charts at #70. The track itself carries a message of presence and renewal, an invitation to embrace the moment and let go of what's behind.

Reflecting on the song's meaning, at the time Petula shared: "This is all we have, from now on. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is uncertain. I've felt this way for years. Living in the present is what truly matters." As MOJO Magazine described it, the song offers the gentle reassurance of "a favourite family elder," imparting wisdom with warmth and grace.

1987 GET IT TOGETHER Clark / Shipman

Get It Together was conceived as a vibrant ensemble number for Act One of Someone Like You. A demo was recorded at Redan Recorders Studio, featuring Petula on lead vocals, with Debi Doss and Shirlie Roden contributing ensemble harmonies. Its buoyant melody transitions into what would later evolve into The Women's Credo. Though ultimately excluded from the final stage production, the song laid the groundwork for Picking Up the Pieces, which remained in Act One. Petula had planned to perform Get It Together live during her 1988 appearance on The Des O'Connor Show.

The Redan session, held in London on 11 December 1987, yielded a series of polished demos. These included a full ensemble rendition of Get It Together, alongside company performances of Amen Into the Light and Home Is Where the Heart Is. The recordings were funded by producer Bill Kenwright.

1990 GETTING THE RIGHT THING WRONG Clark / Shipman

Composed during the transitional period between the touring production and the London premiere of Someone Like You, Getting the Right Thing Wrong is a dramatic power ballad written for Petula’s character, Abigail. The song appears in the second act and is later reprised, marking a moment of emotional reckoning and self-realisation for the character.

It was recorded at CTS Studios in Wembley on 6 February 1990 and released as a double A-side on the First Night Records single of Someone Like You (Score 23). The recording session, which extended into the early hours, also produced three additional tracks: Home Is Where the Heart Is, Someone Like You, and I Am What You Need.

Petula described the song as a pivotal piece within the show, set against the backdrop of Civil War America. She composed the music, with lyrics by longtime collaborator Dee Shipman, whose previous work includes songs for Charles Aznavour. The ballad reflects Abigail's journey toward independence and inner strength.

Getting the Right Thing Wrong was later interpreted by New York cabaret singer Moira Danis, who included it on her tribute album Beautiful Sounds - The Songs of Petula Clark, offering a fresh perspective on its emotional depth.

1983 GIVE IT A TRY Clark / Clayton

Give It A Try originated as a composition by Petula’s musical director Kenny Clayton, initially titled Face to Face. Styled with the introspective elegance of a ballad like Neil Sedaka's Solitaire, the melody was later refined in collaboration with Petula, who revised portions of the original lyrics and introduced a new bridge.

The song made its debut during Petula's New Year's Eve television special Petula Concentrates On You, broadcast by YTV for the ITV network in 1983. It went on to feature in several live performances, including concert appearances and an Australian television broadcast.

In September 1986, Give It A Try was recorded at Olympic Studios in Barnes, London, for inclusion on Petula's album of the same name. The album was released in the United States by the Jango Corporation later that year, though the label subsequently entered administration.

Kenny Clayton revisited the piece in 2005, recording a solo piano version for his tribute album Kenny Clayton Plays Tribute to Petula Clark and Matt Monro. A decade later, in 2015, he offered a reimagined interpretation titled Lullaby on his album Hommage, drawing inspiration from the composers who had shaped his musical sensibilities.

1959 GOLDEN GUINEA Clark

Petula's very first published composition dates back to 1960, an instrumental melody that began life as a 1959 demo acetate she submitted to Pye Records, performed by Petula herself at the piano. Pye immediately recognised its charm and selected it as the theme for their brand-new budget imprint, Golden Guinea, launched that same year with LPs priced at one Guinea.

The melody was later arranged and recorded by Petula's musical director, Joe "Mr. Piano" Henderson, with orchestral and choral backing by the Peter Knight Orchestra and Chorus. It appeared as the B-side to Henderson's 1960 single Winterset (Pye 7N.15243), and in the United States the track was issued under the title The Golden Years on the Signature label.

A lovely footnote to the story appeared in Disc (October 1959), where Joe Henderson, then Petula’s publisher, pianist, and musical supervisor, revealed how the piece came to be written. Pye had originally asked him to compose a theme called "Golden Guinea" for the new series. Busy with other commitments, he mentioned it to Petula… who quietly went away and wrote it herself.

"She beat me to the post," Joe laughed. The twist? Pye loved Petula’s melody so much that I ended up recording her composition instead.

A fitting beginning to Petula's long and fascinating journey as a songwriter.

1987 GOT IT Clark / Olm Van / Ouwens

Got It was among the standout tracks featured on Petula's 1988 album This Is My Song Album / My Greatest, produced by Euro-pop producer Eddy Ouwens. The song was also issued as a standalone single, featuring a slightly altered introduction. Petula played an active role in shaping the lyrics, contributing to the songwriting process.

1965 GOTTA TELL THE WORLD Clark / Hatch / Delanoe

Gotta Tell the World is a dynamic beat-driven collaboration between Petula and Tony Hatch, featured on the 1965 release The New Petula Clark Album, also issued under the title I Know a Place. The track was later paired as the B-side to another Clark / Hatch composition, You're the One, released in November 1965.

1985 GREEN HILLS OF OLD ENGLAND Clark / Shipman

Green Hills of Old England is an alternate lyric to the Someone Like You song Green Hill, West Virginia, originally intended for Petula's character, Abigail, during Act One of the production. With lyrics by Dee Shipman, the song was demo'ed by Petula on 16 December 1985 at Snake Ranch Studios in London, accompanied by a solo piano arrangement from Kenny Clayton.

The piece was first introduced to the public during Petula's concert in Chichester on 9 February 1986. In the original Clark / Shipman script, the song was placed in Act One as Abigail steps into the yard and reflects on the desolate landscape. However, Green Hills of Old England was ultimately not included in either the touring or London stagings of Someone Like You.

In 2008, Petula chose to feature her demo recording of the song during an interview with Elaine Paige on BBC Radio 2, offering listeners a glimpse into this lesser-known moment from the show's development.

1985 GREEN HILL, WEST VIRGINIA Clark / Shipman

Originally composed in 1985, Green Hill, West Virginia was conceived as part of a layered soliloquy sequence that also included Empty Spaces. A demo reflecting this early version was recorded at Snake Ranch Studios in London on 16 December 1985.

The fictional town of Green Hill, created by Petula and Dee Shipman, served as the central setting for their musical. The song was later reimagined with expanded lyrics and adapted into a lively song-and-dance number performed by the characters Andy and Moonshine.

However, during the transition from the 1989 touring production to the 1990 West End staging, Green Hill, West Virginia was removed from the score.

Archival holdings include several audience-recorded performances from the touring run, as well as a recording of Kenny Clayton at the piano working through the arrangement, both preserved as part of the Fan Archive Collection.

1986 GUESS YOU'VE GOT A LOT TO LEARN Clark / Shipman

Guess You've Got a Lot to Learn is a spirited ensemble number originally written for Act One of Someone Like You. Crafted as a trio for the characters Abigail, Serena, and Andy, the song was designed to showcase their contrasting personalities through a shared domestic scene.

In the original Clark / Shipman script, the number unfolds as the three characters prepare a meal together. Abigail instructs Andy to set the table, prompting him to unpack crockery, cutlery, and napkins from their bags, placing them on the harmonium after laying out a lace cloth. As the song progresses, Andy adds a humorous touch by wiping a piece of cheese on his sleeve before placing it with the rest of the items. Tensions rise when Serena sings "Starting here, starting now…," leading Abigail to confront her, an exchange defused by Andy's interjection, "Please don't row."

The scene culminates with the trio serving grits and settling around the table. Andy's line "Can we eat?" is followed by a unified "Let's eat," marking the transition into their shared meal.

A demo of the song was recorded in 1986 at PRT Studios in London (formerly PYE Studios), featuring Petula, jazz and Broadway vocalist Marjorie Barnes, and a child actor in the role of Andy. Despite its lively staging and character interplay, the song was ultimately not included in either the touring or West End productions of the musical.

2012 HANG TIGHT Clark / Pinto / Lebidois

This album track was recorded during the sessions for Petula's French-language release, issued by Sony BMG in 2012. The song was co-written with Maxime Pinto and Maxime Lebidois.

2012 HAPPINESS Clark / Boublil

Petula's melody and a French lyric by Alain Boublil, was recorded during the Lost In You album sessions in London. Though intended for the UK release, the track was held back for a proposed deluxe edition that ultimately never materialised. It later appeared as a bonus track on the Japanese edition of the album.

The song made its live debut in Paris in 2011 and was subsequently used as the opening number for Petula's concert tours in Australia (2012) and the UK (2013). For these performances, the original French verse was replaced with a newly written English verse tailored specifically for the concert setting.

In 2016, Happiness was officially introduced to the UK market via Petula's studio album From Now On. The French lyric was penned by Alain Boublil, renowned for his work with Claude-Michel Schonberg on landmark musicals such as Les Miserables and Miss Saigon.

Reflecting on the song, Petula described it as capturing the exhilarating warmth and joyful intensity of falling in love, a sentiment she channelled into both the music and lyrics.

1965 HEART Clark / Aber / Hatch

Among the standout collaborations between Petula and Tony Hatch, the R&B-inflected track Heart holds a notable place. Originally recorded for The New Petula Clark Album, the song also appeared as the B-side to the hit single You'd Better Come Home. A memorable live rendition was broadcast on The Ed Sullivan Show in late 1965, further cementing its visibility.

“Heart” was later covered by fellow PYE Records artist Joey Loren, adding a fresh voice to the original. In 2003, the track found new life when DJ and producer The Outpsider crafted a remix, released digitally as a three-track EP featuring multiple mix variations.

2008 HEAVEN'S DOOR Clark

Heaven's Door was a newly written composition recorded for Petula's 2008 compilation album Then & Now, released by Universal. The song made its live debut during her UK tour that same year and has since become a recurring feature in her concert repertoire.

1967 HERE COMES THE MORNING Clark / Trent

Another notable songwriting collaboration saw Petula teaming with Jackie Trent, lyricist and wife of Tony Hatch, on the tender ballad (Softly) Here Comes the Morning. Petula composed the melody, with Johnny Harris providing the arrangement and Tony Hatch overseeing production. The track was released in 1967 as the B-side to Don't Sleep in the Subway, which went on to become one of Petula's most successful international hits.

1998 HERE FOR YOU Clark

Here For You is a deeply personal composition by Petula that has resonated with audiences since its debut performance in Rhyl, North Wales in 1998. Following its introduction, the song became a signature closing number in many of her live concerts.

The track was recorded in Los Angeles during sessions for the Varese Sarabande studio album Here For You. After the initial recording, Petula added a French-language verse, which she performed during her solo shows at the St. Denis Theatre in Montreal and the Paris Olympia. During the development of her one-woman show, she also explored an alternate version incorporating a counter melody from Celebrate, though this arrangement was ultimately set aside.

A live rendition of Here For You was released by Varese Sarabande, taken from Petula's performance at the Virginia Arts Festival in Norfolk, Virginia, which was filmed for PBS. In 2005, her musical director Kenny Clayton recorded a solo piano interpretation for his tribute album, and New York cabaret singer Moira Danis later offered her own version on Beautiful Sounds - The Songs of Petula Clark.

Petula has described the song as one that came together swiftly and intuitively, music and lyrics arriving in tandem. She views it as a heartfelt offering to her audience, choosing it to close her shows due to its emotional resonance. The studio version featured a delicate arrangement by Michel Colombier.

1985 HERE WE ARE Clark / Shipman

Here We Are was among the earliest songs developed for Petula and Dee Shipman’s musical project Someone Like You. Petula initially submitted a demo tape to Dee featuring her own piano renditions of the first melodies composed for the show. These early compositions were recorded as demos at Redwood Studios in London on 27 June 1985.

Kenny Clayton's arrangement of Here We Are embraced a distinctly contemporary style and was captured in just two takes. The song was considered a strong candidate for the show's opening number and was performed in Act One of the 1989 UK touring production by Petula's character, Abigail, alongside Andy (played by Lewis Rae). Compared to Petula's original 1985 solo demo, the lyrics were revised to allow for greater character interaction and a choreographed sequence during the bridge.

Despite its early prominence, Here We Are was ultimately omitted from the 1990 West End staging of the musical.

1965 HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU'VE GOT Clark / Delanoe / Hatch

A further collaboration between Petula, Pierre Delanoe, and Tony Hatch, this track was included on the 1965 album My Love.

1987 HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS Clark / Shipman

Widely regarded as one of the most evocative songs from Petula and Dee Shipman's musical Someone Like You, Home Is Where the Heart Is was staged with striking simplicity and emotional depth. In the show's opening sequence, Petula performed the song a cappella behind a gauze curtain, while the distant sounds of war echoed through the theatre.

In the original script, the overture, based on Home Is Where the Heart Is, was accompanied by a projected map of the United States, tracing the journey of Abigail and her son Andy to the fictional town of Green Hill. This visual cue set the stage for the scrim to rise and scene one to begin. Initially written for the character Serena as a full company number, the song was later reassigned to Abigail in both the touring and London productions, where it was also reprised as an ensemble piece during the finale.

The first demo was recorded on 11 December 1987 at Redan Recorders Studios in London, with Petula and Marjorie Barnes, renowned jazz and Broadway performer, sharing vocals. This version featured an alternate ending and was part of a series of sessions funded by theatre impresario Bill Kenwright, producer of the touring production. A revised studio version was later recorded on 6 February 1990 at CTS Studios in Wembley for a planned cast album that was never released.

Petula also performed the song on the BBC daytime programme Pebble Mill. It remained unreleased until 1998, when it was included on the Where The Heart Is album by Connoisseur Records (a subsidiary of First Night Records), coinciding with Petula’s UK tour of the same name, which spanned 17 dates and featured the song in her set list.

Reflecting on its creation, Dee Shipman recalled that the song emerged over several stages, possibly written between her Chelsea home and a country retreat. Petula had carried the melody, and perhaps the title, for some time before the first draft of the musical, then titled Amen!, was underway. The show was later renamed Someone Like You at the suggestion of Fay Weldon, borrowing the title from the duet between Abigail and The Major.

Dee described Home Is Where the Heart Is as one of her personal favourites from the score. She noted that, despite its simplicity, the song came together effortlessly. Petula's melodic instinct allowed Dee to fully inhabit Abigail's emotional world, alone in a war-torn land yet unwavering in hope, which shaped the lyric's heartfelt tone.

1988 HOW Clark / Shipman

How was released as the B-side to Life's A Game, issued by Fly Records (EAGLE 2) in April 1988. The A-side served as the theme for the short-lived TVS drama Gentlemen and Players, performed by Petula over the closing credits and promoted at the end of each broadcast.

Both tracks were recorded at Twickenham Studios and arranged, conducted, and produced by Tony Britten. How, featuring music by Petula and lyrics by Dee Shipman, was later included on the 2007 Sepia Records compilation In Her Own Write, marking its first CD release.

1985 I AM WHAT YOU NEED Clark / Shipman

I Am What You Need was originally conceived as a solo for the character Kane in Someone Like You, and stands among the earliest compositions developed for the musical's initial incarnation, Amen. A demo of the song was recorded by Paul Jones (of Manfred Mann) on 27 June 1985 at Redwood Studios in London.

Intended as a seduction number between Kane and Abigail (Petula's character), the song was staged in Act Two of both the UK touring and London productions.

Four years after the original demo, West End actor Clive Carter, cast as Kane, recorded a new version during the CTS studio sessions in February 1990 for a planned cast album that ultimately went unreleased. His recording remained unheard until 2014, when it was finally issued as a digital download by First Night Records, 24 years after its creation.

1975 I BELIEVE IN LOVE Clark

After formally parting ways with her longtime label PYE in 1971, Petula briefly reunited with the company in 1975 for the release of the single What I Did For Love, paired with her own ballad composition I Believe In Love (catalogue number 7N. 45506). Both tracks were arranged and conducted by Nick Ingman and produced by Norman Newell, who had overseen Petula's earliest recording sessions in 1949.

Newell also penned the lyrics to Petula's first UK chart-topper Sailor, under the pseudonym David West.

2012 I KNOW YOU Clark / Shipman

An additional song composed in 2012 by Petula and Dee Shipman for their musical J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola, later recorded by Dave Willetts in 2014.

2012 I WON'T CARE Clark / Sturiale

The lyric was written by Petula to accompany Grant Sturiale's composition, developed through an active transatlantic exchange of ideas between New York and Paris. James Hallawell, production assistant on the Lost In You sessions, played a key role in shaping the final version, one Petula has expressed great admiration for.

The album Lost In You was released internationally, with editions issued in the UK, US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Japan.

1967 L'ILE DE FRANCE Clark / Delanoe

Unexpectedly, the French-language song L'Ile De France, with lyrics by Pierre Delanoe, was included on Petula's mainstream PYE release The Other Man's Grass Is Always Greener (NSPL 18211), issued in 1968. Like many of Petula's compositions, the song carries autobiographical undertones. Delanoe's lyric draws connections between the region of L'Ile-de-France and other significant locales in Petula's life, including Hollywood and Manhattan.

The song originally appeared a year earlier on the French Disques Vogue EP La Derniere Valse (EPL 8584), released in 1967.

1966 (I'M BEGGING YOU) TAKE ME HOME AGAIN Clark

Issued in late 1966 as the B-side to Petula's U.S. chart hit Colour My World, (I'm Begging You) Take Me Home Again stands out as a compelling power ballad, showcasing her vocal intensity and emotional range.

1974 I'M THE WOMAN YOU NEED Clark

I'm The Woman You Need, produced by Tony Scotti, reflects a distinct country influence and served as the title track of Petula's final album for Polydor, released in the UK in 1975. Drawn from multiple Polydor recording sessions, the album features contributions from seven different producers yet maintains a cohesive sonic identity. Petula wrote both the music and lyrics for the title song.

1962 ICH SUCHE EINEN MANN Clark / Loose

The Road / Je Chante Doucement emerged as one of Petula's most successful original compositions of the 1960s, distinguished by its infectious twist rhythm. Later subtitled Petula's Twist, the German-language version was released in January 1963 as the B-side to the hit single Casanova Baciami, which climbed to number 2 on the German singles chart. The track also appeared on Petula's debut German-language album, Petula Clark.

2008 IN THE CITY Clark / Sturiale

This original composition by Petula and her musical director Grant Sturiale was recorded in New York in late 2008. The track was arranged by Sturiale and jointly produced with Joseph Baker at Baker's New York studio. It was later featured on the Open Your Heart compilation released by Collectors' Choice.

1987 INTO THE LIGHT Clark / Shipman

Into The Light, written by Petula and Dee Shipman in the summer of 1987 for their musical Someone Like You, was first introduced in abridged form on French television that November. A full demo featuring Petula on lead vocals was recorded the following month at Redan Recorders Studio in London. The session included a vibrant ensemble of backing vocalists, with featured verses performed by Marjorie Barnes, an internationally acclaimed jazz and Broadway artist and former member of The 5th Dimension.

Though originally intended for the stage production, the song was later withdrawn following the involvement of Robin Midgley, director of the Cambridge Theatre Company. At that point, creative decisions led to the removal of references to drug addiction, resulting in Into The Light being excluded from the final version of the musical.

1965 IO RESTO QUI Clark / Pallavicini

Among Petula's most acclaimed and emotionally charged compositions of the 1960s, Just Say Goodbye was reimagined in Italian using the original orchestral backing by Tony Hatch and His Orchestra. Vito Pallavicini's lyrical adaptation, Io Resto Qui, was released as a single on Disques Vogue (J 35079) and featured in Petula's performances on Italian television.

1988 IT'S NOT ENOUGH Clark / Shipman

From J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola, this reprise of I've Had Enough was written for the character of Emile Zola. The song was first demo'ed by Dave Willetts in 1988 at Dower House Studios. Over two decades later, Willetts, cast in the role of Zola, re-recorded the piece at Angel Studios, London in 2011 for the concept cast recording released that same year by Stage Door Records.

2008 IT'S OK (I BELIEVE IN YOU) Clark

A fresh contemporary pop composition by Petula, It's OK (I Believe In You) made its debut on her 2008 charting album Then & Now. The song was also featured in her live set during the UK concert tour that same year.

1991 IT'S UP TO YOU Clark / Shipman

It's Up To You was composed in 1991 for J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola as a character-driven number for the satirical French cabaret figure Aristide Bruant. The initial demo was recorded on 9 September 1991 by Clive Carter, accompanied on piano by Paul Bateman, with Petula contributing vocals to the chorus.

Two decades later, the song was re-recorded by Martyn Ellis, cast as Bruant, for the concept cast album produced at Angel Studios and Tin Pan Alley Studios, London. This recording was released in 2011 by Stage Door Records.

1968 I'VE GOT LOVE GOING FOR ME Clark

I've Got Love Going For Me was recorded during the sessions for Petula's 1968 self-titled album, often referred to as the "Pink Album." The track was arranged and conducted by Johnny Harris and produced by Tony Hatch. It was issued as the B-side to the international hit single Kiss Me Goodbye.

1988 I'VE HAD ENOUGH Clark / Shipman

An energetic duet written as a dramatic exchange between Emile Zola and his wife Sandrine, the song was first demo'ed in 1988 with Dave Willetts and Petula performing the respective roles. The session featured piano and synthesizer programming by Kenny Clayton.

In 2011, the piece was re-recorded at Angel Studios, London for the concept cast album of J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola, with Dave Willetts reprising the role of Zola and Jill Martin as Sandrine. The recording was released that same year by Stage Door Records.

1965 JACK & JOHN Clark / Hatch

Petula's Grammy-winning hit I Know A Place was paired with this tender Clark-Hatch ballad as its B-side. During the 1964 taping of her French television series La, La, La, Petula was filmed at the piano, sharing the song in its early stages of development.

1965 JACK ET JOHN Clark / Vidalin

The French-language version of Jack and John was included on the popular LP Petula '65, first released in the UK in 1964 (VRL 3010) and subsequently issued in France and Canada in 1965 by Disques Vogue. Notably, seven of the album's twelve tracks are original Clark compositions.

During the 1964 taping of her French television series La, La, La, Petula was filmed at the piano, sharing the song in its early stages of development.

1963 J'AI TOUT OUBLIE Clark / Cour / Hatch

The jazz-inflected ballad Forgetting You was adapted into French by lyricist Pierre Cour and released in 1964 under the title J'ai Tout Oublie. This version was featured on the Disques Vogue EP Plaza De Toros (EPL 8110) and later included on the album Ceux Qui Ont Un Cœur (LD 623-30).

2018 JAMAIS ADIEU Clark / Minville

Jamais Adieu was composed for the French Canadian album Vu D'ici, released in April 2018. The song marked a creative partnership between Petula (music) and Nelson Minville (lyrics), a prolific author, composer, and stage director whose catalogue includes over 300 works for artists such as Renee Martel, Paul Daraiche, and Celine Dion. The album was recorded entirely in Quebec and its launch was accompanied by Petula's concert tour of the region in May 2018. Production credits include Antoine Gratton and Louis-Jean Cormier.

1964 LES JAMES DEAN Clark / Aber

Les James Dean was conceived as a musical tribute to the late Hollywood icon, blending authentic motorbike sound effects with a driving 1960s rock arrangement. Composed by Petula and arranged by Tony Hatch, the track features accompaniment by Tony Hatch and His Orchestra. It served as the title track for Petula's 1964 Disques Vogue LP Les James Dean, and was performed during her Hello Paris television special in December of that year.

1961 JE CHANTE DOUCEMENT Clark / Gaunay / Pitkowsky

Released in 1961, Je Chante Doucement is a lively twist-style number accompanied by Peter Knight and His Orchestra. The track was featured on the hugely popular Disques Vogue EP Ya Ya Twist (PNV 24090), and later included on the LP Rendez-Vous Avec Petula (VPV 76017-30). This composition reflects Petula's remarkable versatility and her ability to craft contemporary material that resonated with the evolving French pop scene, particularly during the rise of the 'ye-ye' movement.

1972 JE FAIS COURIR Clark / Lanzmann

A featured track from Comme Un Priere, Petula's final album for Disques Vogue, released in 1972 under catalogue number LDM 30140.

1966 JUST SAY GOODBYE Clark / Delanoe / Hatch

Widely regarded as one of Petula's most powerful and emotionally resonant compositions, Just Say Goodbye is a sweeping, heart-rending ballad arranged and produced by Tony Hatch. The song served as the title track of a UK EP and was also featured on the internationally released album My Love. In the United States, Petula performed the piece on both The Ed Sullivan Show and The Hollywood Palace, further cementing its impact.

The song's enduring appeal led to notable cover versions, including recordings by The Walker Brothers in 1968 and Tina Mason on her 1967 album Is Something Wonderful! In 2010, an alternate version of Petula's original recording was released for the first time on the French compilation Une Baladine.

1967 KOMM TANZ MIT MIR Clark / Ballay / Montague

Komm Tanz Mit Mir is the German-language adaptation of Petula Clark's 1965 composition Dance With Me. Recorded using the original 1965 backing track, it was released in Germany in 1967 as the B-side to Es Kann Kein Wunder Größer Sein, issued by Vogue Schallplatten under catalogue number DV 14596.

1969 LA DOVE MUORE IL SOLE Grant / Tuminelli / Tortorella

Written under Petula's songwriting pseudonym Al Grant, La Dove Muore Il Sole is the Italian-language version of her song Some, produced for record by her late husband Claude Wolff. For this adaptation, the original backing track, arranged by Ernie Freeman, was reused, preserving the song's core arrangement while allowing for a lyrical reinterpretation.

Released by Disques Vogue (VG 87.003), La Dove Muore Il Sole appeared on the B-side of Il Sole Nel Cuore, the Italian edition of Happy Heart. While the A-side carried the commercial appeal, the flip side offered a more reflective glimpse into Petula's songwriting voice.

1965 LAS VEGAS Clark / Hatch / Magenta / Delanoe

Las Vegas appeared on the PYE / Warner Bros LP Colour My World and also featured on the UK PYE EP Here There And Everywhere. That same year, Petula made her live debut in Las Vegas at the iconic Caesar's Palace, marking a milestone in her international stage career.

Interestingly, the French-language version of Las Vegas preceded its English counterpart by a year, released on the Disques Vogue EP Il Faut Revenir (EPL 8379). Petula's connection to the city was further spotlighted in the 1965 French television special Petula: Au Far West, which captured her performing against the real-life backdrop of Las Vegas’s bustling streets.

1965 LASS KEINEN TAG VERGEH'N Clark / Lindt

The German-language version of Petula's composition The Show Is Over was recorded as Lass Keinen Tag Vergeh’n, produced by Rudi Bauer. Captured at PYE Studios in London during 1968, the track was arranged and conducted by Tony Hatch. It was issued as the B-side to the German release of Kiss Me Goodbye, released by Vogue Schallplatten (catalogue number DV 14719).

1986 LIBERTY Clark / Shipman

Liberty was originally conceived as a solo number for the character Moonshine in Someone Like You. A demo recording was made in 1986 by Lance Ellington, son of renowned bandleader Ray Ellington, at PRT Studios in London (formerly PYE Studios). Lance's interpretation brought a soulful edge to the piece, complete with a rap section that added contemporary flair.

In the original Clark / Shipman book, Liberty remained a solo for Moonshine. However, during the 1989 UK tour of Someone Like You, the song was reimagined as a light-hearted, comedic duet between Moonshine and Andy in Act One.

For the West End production, Liberty underwent a dramatic shift in tone. It was restaged as a more serious ensemble number involving Serena and the soldiers, accompanied by an elaborate dance sequence. This change, while visually ambitious, diluted the song's earlier charm, many felt it had greater impact in its original touring format.

1983 LIFE IS A SONG Clark / Clayton

In 1983, Petula marked forty years in show business with a landmark concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. The event featured the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by her longtime musical director Kenny Clayton. At the heart of the performance was the ambitious Life Is A Song, a sweeping, autobiographical piece co-composed by Petula and Kenny, tracing the arc of her career through music.

The composition wove together original material with adapted excerpts from songs closely tied to Petula's legacy, including Mighty Like A Rose, With All My Heart, and Downtown. Orchestral contributions from Michel Colombier added further depth to the arrangement. When performed live on 6 February 1983, the piece ran over thirteen minutes, serving as the concert's emotional and musical centrepiece.

The BBC filmed and recorded the concert for television and a Radio 2 broadcast. PRT Records captured the original sound with plans for a double album release, though this was later shelved. Instead, a single-disc highlights edition titled An Hour In Concert With Petula Clark was issued in December 1983 by Music For Pleasure. The album saw its first CD release in 1992 via Compacts For Pleasure, an EMI imprint.

Throughout the 1980s, Petula continued to perform Life Is A Song in concert, presenting a scaled-down version tailored to her own ensemble of musicians.

1972 LITTLE BIT OF LOVIN' Grant

Little Bit of Lovin', written under Petula's pseudonym Al Grant, was recorded during the sessions for her Now album on Polydor / MGM, with arrangements by Don Costa. Though ultimately left off the album, the track found its release as the B-side to Petula's debut single on MGM in the United States, My Guy, issued in spring 1972. The single performed respectably, reaching #70 on the national chart and gaining traction on the Adult Contemporary listings.

2016 LIVING FOR TODAY Clark / Sturiale

Living For Today was first introduced to audiences during Petula's 2016 UK From Now On tour. Featuring lyrics by Petula and music by Grant Sturiale, the track was recorded in New York at Mister B Studios, with production by Joseph Baker and Grant Sturiale.
The song received its international digital release on 10 November 2017, serving as the lead track on the repackaged album Living For Today, a revised edition of the 2016 From Now On album. A physical CD version followed in the United States on 12 January 2018.

1971 LOOKING AT LIFE Clark / Bromley

Petula Clark contributed three original compositions to her final PYE album, Petula '71, including Looking At Life, co-written with John Bromley. Bromley, alongside producer Johnny Harris, supplied much of the album's original material, shaping its distinctive sound. An alternate take of Looking At Life was later included on the RPM CD reissue of Petula '71, released in 1996.

1965 LOOK AT ME Clark / Hatch

Look At Me is an alternate lyric version of Just Say Goodbye, offering a more somber and emotionally raw interpretation of the original. Tony Hatch's reworking leaned into a bitter, tragic tone, likely deemed less commercially viable than the final version released by PYE. Recorded at PYE Studios in London on 27 May 1965, Look At Me remained unreleased for three decades until its inclusion on Sequel's 1995 three-CD box set I Love To Sing.

1968 LOOK TO THE SKY Clark / Trent

Look To The Sky marked a rare songwriting collaboration between Petula and Jackie Trent. Released in 1968, the track appeared as the B-side to the Hatch / Trent composition American Boys, which met with limited commercial success. An alternate lyric version of Look To The Sky was later published by Société Vogue Records under the title Back To The Sky.

1986 LOOK WHERE THE JOURNEY LED Clark / Shipman

From the musical Someone Like You, Petula described the melody of Look Where The Journey Led as possessing a "majestic funk." The song was first demo'ed in 1986 at PRT Studios in London (formerly PYE Studios), paired with Three Time Loser during the same session.

In the original Clark / Shipman book, the piece formed part of a larger sequence titled The Soliloquy, which included Look Where The Journey Led, Three Time Loser, Empty Spaces, Green Hill, West Virginia, and a reprise of Empty Spaces.

On stage, Look Where The Journey Led opened Act One, performed by The Major (Dave Willetts) and his wife Susannah (Jane Arden), setting the tone for the unfolding narrative.

1989 LOSING YOU Clark / Shipman

Losing You was written for the character Susannah, portrayed by Jane Arden, and featured in Act Two of the Clark / Shipman musical Someone Like You. Petula recorded several demo versions of the song in early 1989 at Dee Shipman's Hertfordshire studio, performing in a higher key than her usual vocal range to suit the character's emotional register.

The song was included in the UK national tour of Someone Like You, but underwent lyrical revision for Harold Fielding's West End production, where it was retitled Without You.

1988 LOVE FOR LIFE Clark / Shipman

From J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola, one of the final songs composed for the musical emerged in the summer of 1991. Known as The Triptych, the piece was structurally intricate, weaving together three counter melodies performed by the characters Zola, Sandrine, and Jeanne.

A demo recording was made in September 1991 featuring Dave Willetts, Siobhan McCarthy, and Jacinta Mulcahy, with arrangements and accompaniment by Paul Bateman. The song was later revisited for the 2011 concept cast recording released by Stage Door Records, with Dave Willetts reprising his role as Zola alongside Jill Martin (Sandrine) and Meredith Braun (Jeanne).

1966 LOVE IS A LONG JOURNEY Clark

Love Is A Long Journey, arranged and produced by Tony Hatch, was released as the B-side to Petula’s international hit Who Am I. The pairing offered a reflective counterpoint to the A-side's chart success, showcasing Hatch's signature production style.

1985 LOVE IS ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS Clark / Shipman

Love Is All That Really Matters was written in late 1985 as an upbeat ensemble number for the musical Someone Like You. The initial demo was recorded that December at Snake Ranch Studios in London, featuring Petula in the ensemble chorus alongside solo performances by Paul Jones of Manfred Mann and internationally acclaimed jazz and Broadway artist Marjorie Barnes, formerly of The 5th Dimension.

A revised demo followed in 1986, recorded at PRT Studios (formerly PYE Studios), with Petula joined by Steve Barton and ensemble. Though the song did not appear in the final stage production, it was included in the original Clark / Shipman book as the opening number for Act Two.

1969 LOVE IS THE ONLY THING Grant

Love Is The Only Thing, written under Petula's pseudonym Al Grant, was recorded during the Portrait of Petula sessions, with arrangement and conducting by Michel Colombier. First released in 1969, the track appeared as the B-side to the single Happy Heart, offering a more introspective complement to the A-side's buoyant appeal.

1965 MA ... Clark / Calimera

An Italian-language rendition of Petula's 1965 composition Heart, arranged with Tony Hatch and His Orchestra. The track Ma, produced by Ezio Leoni, served as the B-side to the Italian single Io Resto Qui (Just Say Goodbye), released by Disques Vogue (catalogue number J 35079).

1986 MAD ABOUT YOU Clark / Shipman

Mad About You marked one of Petula's earliest commercial collaborations with lyricist Dee Shipman outside their musical project Someone Like You. Written as one of two new tracks for the Jango Music album Give It A Try, the song was recorded on 19 September 1986 at Olympic Studios in Barnes, London. The album was initially released in the United States by the Jango Corporation later that year, prior to the label's closure. An alternate mix of Mad About You appeared on the 2007 Sepia Records release In Her Own Write.

1965 UN MAL POUR UN BIEN Clark / Aber

In 1965, Petula recorded Un Mal Pour Un Bien, a French adaptation of her hit You're The One, with Tony Hatch handling both arrangement and production. The track was featured on the Disques Vogue EP (EPL 8386), bringing her signature sound to a Francophone audience.

1967 MEME ENCORE MAINTENANT Clark / Delanoe

A French-language songwriting collaboration between Petula and Pierre Delanoe, Meme Encore Maintenant appeared on both the C'est Ma Chanson EP and the full-length album of the same name.

2013 MEANT TO BE Clark

With music and lyrics by Petula, Meant to Be was first performed as the opening to Act Two during her UK concert tour in 2013. The song's tone and phrasing reflect a theatrical sensibility, making it well-suited to live performance, where its intimacy and warmth resonated directly with audiences.

Meant to Be is a reflective lyric by Petula that explores the quiet certainty of newfound connection. Lines such as "So this is how it was meant to be / Now I can feel it flowing over me" evoke a sense of emotional arrival, as if two people have stepped into something they were always meant to find. The lyric's gentle rhythm and imagery, "like a magic moment in a book", suggest a story unfolding naturally, without force or pretense.

1966 LA MER EST COMME TOI Clark / Aber

La Mer Est Comme Toi, a French-language songwriting collaboration between Petula and Georges Aber, was later released on the 1966 EP L'Agent Secret.

2016 A MIRACLE TO ME Clark

Written and composed by Petula, A Miracle to Me features on her 2016 studio album From Now On. The song was crafted at her second home in the French Alps and includes the tender lyric: "You're everything to me and you always will be; Promise me to stay as you are." While Petula has chosen not to reveal the full story behind the song, she's suggested it may speak to more than one person, though she acknowledges a particular individual was foremost in her thoughts. With characteristic discretion, she added that she preferred to leave the rest unsaid.

1983 MUSIC PEOPLE Clark / Niles

Music People is an upbeat, contemporary number co-written by Petula and arranger Richard Niles. Composed specifically for her 40th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall in February 1983, the song was featured on the live album An Hour In Concert With Petula Clark, released by Music For Pleasure. Niles also arranged the concert's opening song, Every Little Thing You Do Is Magic. Petula continued to include Music People in her live performances throughout the mid-1980s, often incorporating a playful parody of The Sound of Music into the number.

1990 MY LOVE WILL NEVER DIE Clark

In November 1990, Petula made a notable return to the UK concert stage with a grand performance at London's Barbican Centre. Held on 22 November, the event featured accompaniment by the London Concert Orchestra and support from the King's Singers. The evening offered several unexpected highlights and rare additions to Petula's repertoire, including a richly orchestrated rendition of Empty Spaces from Someone Like You, marking the first time she had revisited material from the musical since its closure.

Also premiered was My Love Will Never Die, a sweeping new composition written entirely by Petula as a tribute to her devoted fans. The song was later recorded in 2007 by West End performer Amanda Jane Manning, and after an 18-year interval, Petula returned to the piece during her 2008 UK concert tour.

1965 MY NAME IS PETULA Clark

Petula penned My Name Is Petula as a playful response to the many ways her name had been mispronounced around the world. The song cleverly tied together a medley of Monsieur, Santa Lucia, Hello Dolly, and Call Me, and became a highlight of her live shows. It's captured on Live at the Copacabana (1966), Live at the Royal Albert Hall (1969) and This Is Petula Clark Live at the Talk of the Town (1967), with arrangements by her longtime musical director, Frank Owens.

1964 IL N'A CHANTE QU'UN SOIR Clark / Delanoe

In 1964, Petula collaborated with lyricist Pierre Delanoe on a French original titled Il N'a Chante Qu'un Soir. Commissioned for the film A Couteaux Tires, Petula not only composed music and themes for the production but also appeared on screen as herself, performing the song in a nightclub setting. It was later released on the PYE EP Encore En Francais (NEP 24189).

2012 NEVER ENOUGH Clark / Visser / Williams

Co-written by Petula, Never Enough is a spirited, country-tinged track featured on her 2013 charting album Lost In You, which reached No. 24 in the UK. The song was created in collaboration with John Owen Williams and Paul Visser, and Petula later reflected on the process with fondness, noting how much fun the trio had crafting and recording it, a sense of joy she hoped listeners would pick up on.

Never Enough gained notable airplay, remaining on the BBC Radio 2 playlist for four weeks during March and April 2013. It was also issued as a DJ promo single.

1965 NEVER WILL I Clark

Never Will I marked Tony Hatch's initial lyrical draft for the song that evolved into Tell Me. Though Petula recorded the original version, it was ultimately set aside in favour of the revised Tell Me (That It's Love). The earlier recording remained unreleased in the PYE / PRT archives until 1995, when Sequel included it in the 3-CD box set I Love to Sing.

2016 NEVER LET GO Clark / Large / Visser / Williams

Never Let Go appears on Petula's 2016 studio album From Now On, recorded at John Owen Williams' West London studio. Released by BMG Rights Management, the album entered the UK charts at No. 70.

In September 2016, the German edition of Rolling Stone magazine spotlighted Never Let Go on its cover-mount CD New Noises - 10 New Songs for September, bringing the track to a wider European audience.

1998 NEW YORK Clark

Before embarking on the U.S. national tour of Sunset Boulevard, Petula began exploring ideas for a one-woman autobiographical stage show. Working with her musical director Kenny Clayton, she recorded a series of demo tapes featuring song fragments intended for the project. Among them was a piece titled New York, which ingeniously reimagined the melody of Downtown, weaving in Petula's own counter melody to create a fresh musical perspective.

1964 NON MI GUARDI MAI Clark / Pallavicini

In 1965, Petula's Non Mi Guardi Mai accompanied her San Remo Festival entry Invece No as its Italian B-side. Originally recorded in Milan the previous year, the song was later reimagined in English by Tony Hatch as Time for Love.

1963 LA NOSTRA STORIA Clark / Pallavicini

Petula's Italian rendition of Elle Est Finie La Belle Histoire was brought to life with lyrics by Vito Pallavicini, the lyricist behind many of her Italian recordings. Her vocals were laid down in Paris in 1963, accompanied by Peter Knight's original arrangement.

1991 NOW Clark / Shipman

Originally written as a lyric by Dee Shipman for Charles Aznavour in the late 1970s, Now remained unscored for years. In 1991, Petula Clark composed her own melody for the piece and recorded a demo at Dower House Studios in Hertfordshire.

1965 NOW THAT YOU'VE GONE Clark / Ballay / Newell

For the English-language adaptation of Puisque Tu Pars, renowned producer and lyricist Norman Newell was brought in to craft the lyrics for what became Now That You've Gone, set to music by Petula. The track appeared on Petula's original Downtown album and was also featured on the French Disques Vogue release Petula '65.

The song went on to be covered by South African beat singer Sharon Tandy, accompanied by the popular girl group The Breakaways. It was later revived by New York cabaret artist Moira Danis, both in her stage show and on her album Beautiful Sounds - The Songs of Petula Clark. In 2019, Johnny Mathis's rendition was made available as a digital release, drawn from his 2018 retrospective The Voice of Romance: The Columbia Original Album Collection.

1964 IL N'Y A QU'UNE FEMME Clark / Plante

Released in 1964 on the album Les James Dean, Il N'Y A Qu’une Femme showcases Petula's flair for swing, backed by a bold Tony Hatch big band arrangement.

1965 ON THE PATH OF GLORY Clark / Magenta / Delanoe / Shaper

Hal Shaper adapted Petula's French recording La Colline Au Whisky for English-speaking audiences, reshaping the light-hearted original into a poignant anti-war anthem titled On the Path of Glory. Petula recorded the new version during the These Are My Songs sessions in Los Angeles in 1967, under the musical direction of Ernie Freeman.

The song gained deeper resonance in 1968 when Petula chose to perform it as a duet with Harry Belafonte for her first U.S. television special. Invited by NBC to host the programme, Petula inadvertently made television history. During the performance of On the Path of Glory, she gently touched Belafonte's arm, a moment that drew objection from a Chrysler Corporation representative, concerned about potential backlash from Southern viewers. When asked to reshoot the segment without physical contact, Petula and her husband, executive producer Claude Wolff, refused. They destroyed all alternate takes and submitted the original version with the gesture intact.

The special aired on 8 April 1968 to strong ratings and critical acclaim, and the broadcast marked a historic first: the earliest instance of physical contact between a white woman and a Black man on American television.

To honour the 40th anniversary of the telecast, Petula and he husband Claude Wolff appeared at the Paley Center for Media in Manhattan on 22 September 2008, where they reflected on the programme's legacy following a screening of the original broadcast.

1978 ON WITH THE SHOW Clark / Shipman

On With The Show marked the beginning of a creative alliance between Petula and lyricist Dee Shipman, an artistic pairing that would span decades.

By 1978, Shipman had carved out a reputation as a rising lyricist, with credits alongside Roger Webb and Charles Aznavour. As Aznavour's trusted English-language interpreter, Shipman penned a new lyric titled On With The Show, which Petula discovered during a visit to Aznavour's home. Instantly drawn to Shipman's lyrical voice, Petula composed her own melody for the piece.

The song made its debut at Petula’s 1978 concert at the Chichester Festival Theatre, featured in the ITV special At The Turn Of The Year, broadcast on New Year's Eve and later released on DVD by Delta. With its theatrical flair and emotional resonance, On With The Show quickly became a fan favourite, regularly performed throughout the 1980s on stage and screen.

More than a single collaboration, this song marked the start of a long and fruitful songwriting partnership between Clark and Shipman, one that blended introspection, wit, and musical sophistication.

1998 PARIS Clark

Among the lesser-known gems in Petula's demo archive is a lyrical fragment recorded with the intimacy of a personal diary, intended, it seems, for possible inclusion in an autobiographical one-woman show (see also: New York).

Set to a gentle waltz rhythm, the song unfolds as a reflective narrative, tracing Petula's journeys to Paris and capturing the subtle yet striking contrasts between the cultural moods of London and the French capital. The melody dances with wistful charm, while the lyrics evoke shifting atmospheres and personal awakenings, hallmarks of Petula's storytelling style during this introspective creative period.

Though unreleased, the fragment offers a rare glimpse into her songwriting process and theatrical ambitions, blending travelogue with emotional nuance in a way that feels both candid and quietly cinematic.

1988 PARIS - TAKE A LOOK BENEATH THE SURFACE Clark / Shipman

Paris - Take A Look Beneath The Surface was among the earliest compositions created for the Emile Zola musical project by Petula Clark and Dee Shipman. Structured in two verses, the piece features Zola delivering a somber counter melody against the ensemble during the second verse. The initial demo was recorded domestically in late 1988 at Dee Shipman's Hertfordshire studio, with performances by Dee, Ian Wilson, Barbara Clark (Petula's sister), and Petula herself, who voiced Zola's counter melody and played piano on the track.

A subsequent demo was produced in late 1991, featuring Dave Willetts in the role of Zola. In 2011, Willetts reprised the role for the concept cast recording, captured at Angel Studios, London, and released by Stage Door Records. This version was later enhanced in 2014 with newly recorded narration and additional piano underscoring by Greg Arrowsmith.

1966 PAUVRE CHERIE Clark / Delanoe

This vibrant 1966 collaboration between Petula and lyricist Pierre Delanoë was first released on the Vogue EP La Mer Est Comme Toi, which featured four Petula compositions arranged and conducted by Tony Hatch and His Orchestra. Among them was this lively Sixties beat number that captured the era's charm. The song was subsequently included on Petula's 1967 album C'est Ma Chanson, extending its reach to a broader audience.

1972 UN PETIT PEU D'AMOUR Clark / Schmitt

Penned under Petula's songwriting pseudonym Al Grant, Un Petit Peu D'Amour is the French adaptation of her 1972 English-language track Little Bit of Lovin'. The recording was featured on her final Disques Vogue LP, Comme Un Priere (LDM 30140), released in 1972. This version retained the original Don Costa orchestral backing, lending continuity between the English and French renditions.

1989 PICKING UP THE PIECES Clark / Shipman

An ensemble number from Someone Like You, performed by the full company during Act One. The song centres on the physical rebuilding of Green Hill following the devastation of the Civil War. Picking Up the Pieces originated as an adaptation of an earlier demo titled Get It Together, recorded in December 1987 at Redan Recorders Studio, London.

1966 PIERROT PENDU Clark / Delanoe

This elegant melody, composed by Petula with French lyrics by Pierre Delanoe, is distinguished by its rich orchestration and prominent string arrangement. The track first appeared on the 1966 Disques Vogue EP Hello Mister Brown (EPL 8 485), and was later featured on the 1967 album C'est Ma Chanson (CLD 706 30), further showcasing Petula's versatility in blending classical sophistication and chanson stylings.

1966 PLASTIC ROSES Clark / Marx

This infectious pop tune, composed by Petula with lyrics by Jacques Marx, was featured on the 1966 French EP Hello Mister Brown (EPL 8 485). Its upbeat charm and melodic flair made it a standout among the four tracks on the release.

1967 PLEASE DON'T GO Clark / Hatch / Ballay

This dramatic composition, written by Petula with lyrics by Tony Hatch, was featured on her 1967 PYE album Colour My World. The track showcases Hatch's signature production style, enhanced by Johnny Harris's sweeping orchestral direction, creating a richly textured soundscape emblematic of Petula's late-Sixties recordings.

1967 POURQUOI DIS TU POURQUOI Clark / Ballay

This French-language version of Please Don't Go, titled Pourquoi Dis-Tu Pourquoi, was released on both the Disques Vogue EP and the full-length album C'est Ma Chanson. The adaptation preserves the emotional core of the original while offering a lyrical interpretation tailored for French audiences.

2012 POUR ETRE AIMEE DE TOI Clark / Aznavour

Co-written by Petula and Charles Aznavour, this track was recorded during sessions for Petula's French-language album released by Sony BMG in 2012. Notably, the song also appeared on both the vinyl EP and promotional CD EP, each bearing the classic Vogue Records logo, a nod to her earlier French discography.

In 2015, Petula revisited the song, crafting a stripped-back rendition for her 2016 studio album From Now On. This new version marked her return to vinyl with a full studio release, the first since 1988, and features Petula accompanying herself on piano. BBC Radio 2's Graham Norton named it his favourite track from the album, and Petula performed it live, again self-accompanied, on BBC Radio 4's Loose Ends, broadcast on 24 September 2016.

2003 PRELUDE A LA GUERRE Clark

A French adaptation of the song World War II, Prelude a la Guerre made its debut during Petula's acclaimed concert at the Olympia Music Hall in Paris on 28 September 2003. The performance uniquely incorporated the original 1942 broadcast of Petula singing Mighty Like a Rose, as released by Sepia Records on Partners in Music, with Petula harmonising live to her younger self, creating a poignant musical dialogue across time.

1994 PRELUDE TO LOVE Clark / Sturiale

Between August 1993 and April 1994, Petula took on the role of Mrs. Johnston in the Broadway production of Willy Russell's Blood Brothers. During her time in New York, she collaborated with producer Joseph Baker on a series of demo recordings intended to form the foundation of a new contemporary album, now often referred to as The New York Sessions. Petula recorded ten original songs for the project.

Among these was Prelude to Love, co-written with the show's U.S. tour musical director Grant Sturiale. The demo featured Petula in duet with Domenick Allen, who was appearing in Blood Brothers as the Narrator. During the same sessions, Petula also recorded the first version of Here We Are, another Sturiale composition, which she later re-recorded for her 1998 album Here for You. As of now, Prelude to Love remains unreleased.

1963 PRENDS GARDE A TOI Clark / Aber

First released on the widely popular French Disques Vogue EP Ceux Qui Ont Un Cœur (Anyone Who Had a Heart), Prends Garde a Toi was later included on the full-length album of the same name. Petula also performed the song live in a sequence for the film A Couteaux Tires, presenting a distinct arrangement that differed from the studio version issued on record.

1973 PRETTY CHERRIES Clark / Distel

Composed in 1973 during a series of duet sessions between Petula and Sacha Distel for the Polydor label, Pretty Cherries emerged from a period of rich collaboration. That same year, Polydor UK released the single Lead Me On, backed with Taking It On, though distribution was limited. A year prior, Petula had recorded Distel's composition Comme Je T'aime Mon Amour for her Disques Vogue album Comme Une Priere, further cementing their creative partnership across both English and French recordings.

1964 PUISQUE TU PARS Clark / Aber

Puisque Tu Pars originally appeared as the closing track on Petula's 1964 Disques Vogue album Les James Dean. The song was subsequently released on the 1965 EP Dans Le Temps. Later, lyricist Norman Newell adapted the piece into English under the title Now That You've Gone, extending its reach to a broader audience while preserving its emotional core.

1977 PUT A LITTLE SUNBEAM IN YOUR LIFE Clark / Galbraith

In May 1977, Petula appeared in a nationally broadcast television commercial for Chrysler, promoting their new Sunbeam model. The advert featured a catchy jingle co-written by Petula, titled Put a Chrysler Sunbeam in Your Life, which quickly gained popularity with British audiences.

The song was later included on her 1978 UK album Destiny (CBS 82608) and released as a single under the title Put a Little Sunbeam in Your Life (SCBS 6245), arranged by Steve Gray and produced by Tony Eyers.

Due to concerns from both the BBC and ITC that the word "Sunbeam" constituted advertising, all airplay of the original version was banned. In response, CBS Records brought Petula back into the studio to re-record the track, replacing "Sunbeam" with "Sunshine." Promotional copies of Put a Little Sunshine in Your Life, retaining the original catalogue number, were issued on 21 April 1978 specifically for radio play.

Petula later performed Put a Little Sunbeam in Your Life on her 1979 BBC television special Petula... and Song of Love, giving the jingle a second life on screen.

1969 QUAND TON TOUR VIENDRA Clark / Delanoe

Recorded in 1969, Quand Ton Tour Viendra showcases a compelling melody by Petula, elevated by Michel Colombier's dramatic string arrangement. The track was issued on her Disques Vogue album and also featured on the Frere Jacques EP (EPL 8 647), highlighting Petula's continued artistry in French-language repertoire during the late Sixties.

1966 QUE FAUT- IL FAIRE POUR OUBLIER? Clark / Ballay

Originally released in 1966 on the Disques Vogue EP La Gadoue (EPL 8410), which featured one of Petula's most celebrated French hits, Que Faut-Il Faire Pour Oublier? later gained recognition in its English-language adaptation as There Goes My Love, There Goes My Life. Widely regarded as one of Petula's most emotionally resonant and artistically accomplished compositions, the track stands out for its dramatic intensity and lyrical depth.

1965 QUE FAIS TU LA PETULA? Clark / Delanoe

Widely regarded as one of Petula's most beloved French-language recordings, this novelty song was recorded in 1965 and featured on the Disques Vogue EP Viens Avec Moi as well as the album Petula '65. Pierre Delanoe's witty and satirical lyrics offered a cheeky response to the British media's reaction to Petula’s marriage to her French husband. Over time, the song has become one of the most requested titles from her French catalogue and was memorably revived during her performance at the Paris Olympia in September 2003.

2010 THE RAINBOW Clark / Hatch

Although Petula and Tony Hatch had originally intended to collaborate on new material for the 2002 Sanctuary Records release The Ultimate Collection, the songwriting partnership did not materialise at that time. Years later, now residing in Minorca, Hatch co-wrote The Rainbow with Petula in 2010. She premiered the song that September during her concert in Tarrytown, New York, where it quickly became a fan favourite.

Reflecting on the process, Petula recalled that the song was written at Tony's home in Minorca, but studio recording was delayed. She eventually began work on the track in New Jersey, completing it in New York.

On 5 July 2014, The Rainbow was performed live at London's Royal Festival Hall as part of A Life in Song, a concert celebrating Tony Hatch's music, with Hatch himself accompanying Petula on piano.

The studio recording of The Rainbow made its UK debut on the 2017 BMG release I Couldn't Live Without Your Love - Hits, Classics and More. In the United States, the track appeared on the 2018 BMG album Living for Today.

1967 REBECCA Clark / Delanoe

A strikingly theatrical French-language recording, Rebecca builds toward a climactic finale punctuated by gunshots. Petula's evocative melody pairs seamlessly with Pierre Delanoe's intense narrative, creating a vivid musical tableau. The track was featured on the 1967 Disques Vogue album C'est Ma Chanson (CLD 706 30), standing out as one of the album's most dramatic offerings.

2012 REFLECTIONS Clark / Hallawell / Williams

Petula co-wrote three songs for her 2013 album Lost in You, including Reflections, a deeply personal piece that draws on her early experiences growing up in Wales and beginning her professional singing career at the age of six. The lyrics evoke vivid childhood memories, singing in chapel, feeling music take root in her heart, and explore how those formative moments continue to shape her artistic identity.

The song was inspired by co-writer John Williams's suggestion to adapt J.S. Bach's theme from Sleepers Awake into something intimate and autobiographical. Petula responded by revisiting the emotional landscape of her Welsh upbringing, with James Hallawell contributing expressive piano and organ arrangements that echo the classical source material.

Reflections also carries a quiet homage to Glenn Gould, whose unexpected admiration for Petula's music was revealed posthumously through his 1967 essay The Search for Petula Clark. Though she hadn't known of Gould's interest during his lifetime, Petula later expressed both surprise and regret at never having met him, imagining what a musical collaboration might have been like. The song became part of a broader tribute, blending new compositions and covers (including John Lennon's Imagine) into an album that bridged her past and present.

In Reflections, Petula sings of reconnecting with her younger self, a child whose love of music remains ever-present, offering comfort and continuity through life's challenges.

2010 REFUGEE Clark

Premiering during Petula's reimagined concert format in Tarrytown, New York in September 2010, this original composition marked a return to socially conscious songwriting. The idea first took shape in the mid-1990s, when Petula approached lyricist Dee Shipman with the intention of crafting a song that addressed the plight of refugees. The track was later recorded in New York at Bakerboys Music Studio and produced by Joseph Baker in 2011. Though completed, the song has yet to be officially released.

1965 REGARDEZ LES Clark / Delanoe

Regardez Les is the French-language adaptation of Petula's poignant composition Just Say Goodbye. Recorded in 1965, the track was released on the Disques Vogue EP Viens Avec Moi (EPL. 8342) and featured on the album Petula '65. That same year, Petula performed the song live during her concert at the Olympia Music Hall in Paris, adding emotional resonance to an already memorable piece.

1967 RESIST Grant

A well-regarded original penned by Petula Clark under her pseudonym Al Grant, Resist was recorded in Los Angeles and features orchestration by Ernie Freeman. The track was included on her 1967 album These Are My Songs, showcasing Clark's songwriting versatility and Freeman's lush arrangements.

2012 RESPECTABLE Clark / Shipman

An additional composition for the musical J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola was written by Petula and Dee Shipman in 2012, expanding the show's emotional and narrative depth. The piece was recorded two years later, in 2014, as part of the evolving development of the score.

1970 RIGHT ON Grant

Penned under Petula's songwriting pseudonym Al Grant, Right On stands as her sole original contribution to the acclaimed 1970 Memphis album, recorded with producer Chips Moman. Widely regarded as one of Petula's most artistically rich collections, Memphis paired her vocals with material from leading folk and country songwriters of the era, including Curtis Mayfield, Toni Wine, and David Gates.

With its rhythmic pulse, folk-inflected sound, and contemporary lyricism, Right On holds its own among the album's standout tracks, reflecting Petula's versatility as both performer and composer.

1962 THE ROAD Clark / Shaper

Following the remarkable trio of UK chart successes in 1961, Sailor, Romeo, and My Friend the Sea, PYE Records aimed to sustain Petula's momentum into 1962, issuing a series of singles that, despite strong production, failed to replicate the impact of their predecessors. The final release of that year, The Road, offered a respectable twist rhythm but did not chart in the UK.

Internationally, however, the song found greater resonance. In France, it was reimagined as Je Chante Doucement and achieved modest success, further highlighting Petula's enduring appeal across language and market boundaries.

1988 ROUND AND ROUND Clark / Shipman

A standout number from the musical J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola, Round and Round reflects a bold journey in Petula's songwriting. Encouraged by lyricist Dee Shipman during the development of the score, Petula explored intricate counter-melodies that perfectly suited the emotional and structural demands of musical theatre.

The song is performed by the characters Sandrine (Zola's wife) and Jeanne (Zola's mistress), each residing on opposite banks of the Seine, mirroring their divided yet intertwined lives. Petula first recorded a domestic demo of the piece in 1988, followed by a session during the Zola demos in Southgate in September 1991. A full cast recording was later produced in 2011 at Angel Studios, London, featuring Dave Willetts as Zola, Jill Martin as Sandrine, and Meredith Braun as Jeanne. This version was released by Stage Door Records as part of the concept album that same year.

2016 SACRIFICE MY HEART Clark / Naghshineh / Visser / Williams

Released on 16 September 2016 by BMG Rights Management, From Now On marked Petula's forty-fifth studio album and celebrated her fiftieth year on the UK album chart. The album debuted at No. 70 on the official UK chart, reaffirming her enduring presence in British music.

The lead track, Sacrifice My Heart, was co-written by Petula, Sarah Naghshineh, Paul Viser, and John Owen Williams. It was issued ahead of the album as a digital "grat track" on 5 August 2016, available via YouTube and download platforms. BMG also produced promotional copies for radio, and the song was selected for BBC Radio 2's C-list, where it remained for four consecutive weeks.

To accompany the release, Petula unveiled a music video directed by Jack A Bowden and produced by Kode Media, whose portfolio includes work for artists such as Mark Ronson, Will Young, Norah Jones, and Sam Smith. Bowden placed Petula in a visually striking setting: a weathered yet elegant house that symbolised faded grandeur. Using techniques like slow shutter speeds and stylised "fake cuts," the video portrayed Petula in a haunting, ethereal light, delivering an emotive message to a lost companion. The visual narrative posed a subtle question, had she left their world, or had they left hers?

On 24 September 2016, Petula performed a segment of Sacrifice My Heart on BBC One's National Lottery Show, bringing the song to a wider television audience. As MOJO Magazine noted, "The real magic can be found on the electronic pulse of Sacrifice My Heart, which repositions her as a Sarah Cracknell for her generation."

1967 SCHADE Clark / Heckscher / Hatch / Pallavicini

Schade is the German-language version of the Italian song Non Mi Guardi Mi, later reimagined in English by Tony Hatch as Time for Love. The track was released in 1967 as the B-side to the German single Alle Leute Wollen In Den Himmel (Tout Le Monde Ne Veut Aller Au Ciel), issued by Vogue Schallplatten (DV 14642), adding a multilingual dimension to Petula's European repertoire.

1961 LA SEINE ET LA TAMISE Clark / Delanoe

A Franco-British Collaboration Recorded in 1961, La Seine Est La Tamise marked the beginning of Petula's songwriting partnership with renowned French lyricist Pierre Delanoe. The track is a French adaptation of Petula's earlier composition All Over Now, originally released by PYE in 1960. For this version, arranger Peter Knight reimagined the song with a sweeping orchestral treatment, shifting its tone from pop to ballad.

The recording was first issued on the 1961 Disques Vogue EP Calcutta (PNV. 24078), and later featured on the popular 10" album Tete a Tete Avec Petula Clark (VPV. 76.015), further cementing Petula's bilingual appeal and artistic versatility.

1964 SE TE NE VAI Clark / Calimera

Recorded in 1964, Se Te Ne Vai is the Italian-language version of Petula's original composition Now That You've Gone. The track was released as the B-side to Ciao, Ciao, the Italian adaptation of Downtown, on the Disques Vogue single (J 35066) issued in May 1965. While Ciao, Ciao soared to the top of the Italian hit parade, Se Te Ne Vai complemented the release with its emotive delivery and continental flair.

1967 THE SHOW IS OVER Clark

A well-loved original written and composed by Petula, The Show Is Over was first released in 1967 as the B-side to her UK chart-topping single This Is My Song. Two decades later, Petula revisited the track, re-recording it under the direction of Dutch producer Eddy Ouwens. This updated version was featured as the closing track on her 1987 album This Is My Song Album / My Greatest, offering a reflective bookend to one of her most iconic musical chapters.

1962 SI C'EST OUI, C'EST OUI Clark / Delanoe

Si C'est Oui, C'est Oui is a lively twist-style number co-written by Petula and French lyricist Pierre Delanoe. Arranged by Peter Knight, the song was first issued in 1962 on the Disques Vogue EP A London (PNV. 24091). That same year, it was released in the United Kingdom as the B-side to Ya Ya Twist on PYE Records (7N.15448), adding a bilingual flair to Petula's dance-oriented repertoire.

1989 SO EASY Clark / Shipman

So Easy emerged during a matinee performance of Someone Like You at the Grand Opera House in York, where lyricist Dee Shipman, ever attuned to audience dynamics, was seated in the front row of the Circle. Observing a poignant Act II scene between the Major and Abigail, portrayed by Dave Willetts and Petula, she sensed a missed opportunity: a moment of emotional intensity that called not for dialogue, but for song.

Inspired by the characters' earlier reflections on love's unexpected simplicity, Dee began crafting lyrics in the dark, scribbling on the back of her cheque book. After the curtain fell, she shared the completed lyric with Petula backstage and proposed they write the song the following morning. They did.

Written as a solo for the Major, So Easy became one of the new additions featured in the West End transfer of Someone Like You. Dave Willetts delivered the ballad with heartfelt conviction, and in February 1990, recorded a domestic demo accompanied by Kenny Clayton on piano.

In 1998, Petula revisited the song with a new arrangement by Michel Colombier, recording it for her studio album Here For You, released by Varese Sarabande. The track stands as a testament to the immediacy of theatrical inspiration and the enduring power of collaboration.

1989 SOLDIER BLUES Clark / Shipman

Written in 1989, Soldier Blues served as the spirited opening number for Act Two of the Clark / Shipman musical Someone Like You. A rousing and bawdy ensemble piece, the song was performed by a chorus of soldiers and prominently featured the character Serena. As one of the final additions to the touring production, Soldier Blues brought energy and grit to the second half of the show, underscoring its themes of camaraderie and conflict with musical bravado.

1969 SOME Grant

Composed under Petula's songwriting pseudonym Al Grant, Some was featured on her 1969 album Portrait of Petula. The track was given a lush, dramatic arrangement by Ernie Freeman, whose cascading strings beautifully underscored Petula's melody and introspective lyrics. In 1971, the song was revisited by Rod McKuen, who included his own interpretation on the album Pastorale, further extending its reach across genres and audiences.

2012 SOMEDAY Clark / Duterde / Lebidois / Pinto /

Recorded during the sessions for Petula's 2012 French-language album Petula, released by Sony BMG, this track was co-written with Maxime Pinto and Maxime Lebidois. The song features a soulful duet between Petula and acclaimed French singer-songwriter Ben L'Oncle Soul, blending Petula's timeless vocal style with contemporary French soul influences.

1986 SOMEONE LIKE YOU Clark / Shipman

From the 1989 / 1990 stage musical Someone Like You, this song served as a heartfelt soliloquy in Act One, an emotive declaration of love performed by the character of The Major. Although Dave Willetts recorded a domestic demo, he never completed a full studio version of the song. The melody was originally composed by Petula to accompany her own lyric titled Why Won’t It End.

The first demo of Someone Like You was recorded on 16 December 1985 by the late Phantom of the Opera star Steve Barton at Snake Ranch Studios in Chelsea, capturing the song's emotional core in its earliest form.

Later in the musical, the duet Someone Like You was performed by The Major and Abigail near the end of Act Two. A demo version featuring Petula and Steve Barton was recorded in 1985, while the show version, featuring Petula and Dave Willetts, was recorded on 6 February 1990 at CTS Studios, Wembley. This rendition was released as a 7" single by First Night Records for radio airplay. In 1999, the label issued The First Night Singles Collection on CD, which included a previously omitted segment of spoken dialogue between Petula and Dave from the original single release.

During Petula's 1998 Where The Heart Is tour, she reunited with Dave Willetts at her Leamington Spa concert, where they delivered an impromptu performance of Someone Like You to an appreciative audience.

An instrumental version of the song, arranged by Petula's then musical director Kenny Clayton, is featured on the Sepia retrospective CD In Her Own Write, offering a reflective take on one of the musical's most enduring themes. The 1990 Dave Willetts and Petula recording is available across all digital platforms.

1978 SONGBIRD Clark

Songbird was one of several new compositions Petula developed for her 1978 CBS album Destiny, produced by Tony Eyers and recorded at Pye Studios in London. The track showcased Petula's lyrical warmth and melodic finesse, and was also issued as the B-side to the single Put a Little Sunbeam / Sunshine in Your Life, adding depth to the album's promotional rollout.

1971 SONG WENT WRONG Grant

Composed under Petula's pseudonym Al Grant, Song Went Wrong is a moody and unconventional fragment piece produced, arranged, and conducted by Johnny Harris. It served as the final track on Petula's last PYE studio album, Petula '71 (NSPL.18370), offering a contemplative close to the collection.

The song also appeared as the B-side to the 1971 PYE single I Don't Know How to Love Him, which reached No. 47 on the UK singles chart in January 1972. Its atmospheric quality caught the attention of Rod McKuen, who performed the piece during his 1971 BBC Television series, further spotlighting its introspective charm.

1972 SONG WITHOUT END Clark

Produced by Don Costa, Song Without End was recorded by Petula for her album Now, released under the MGM / Polydor label. The track was subsequently issued on various singles across the US and Europe, gaining international exposure. In 1975, it was selected as the closing track on the UK Polydor compilation album Just Petula, offering a reflective finale to the collection.

1967 SPECIAL PEOPLE Clark / Owens

For nearly a decade, American pianist Frank Owens served as Petula's musical director, contributing significantly to her live and studio work. In 1967, Owens and Petula co-wrote Special People, a graceful and memorable composition that became a standout track on the Colour My World album. The recording was arranged and produced by Tony Hatch, whose signature style added depth and polish to the song's melodic charm.

1974 SUPER LOVIN' LADY Clark

Super Lovin' Lady stands out as one of Petula's more rock-influenced compositions. Written in 1974, the track emerged from sessions that reunited Clark with longtime collaborator Tony Hatch, who was working on a fresh slate of material. The song was released in April 1975 as the B-side to the Polydor single I Am Your Song, though limited distribution of her Polydor releases meant it didn’t receive the attention it merited.

Petula introduced Super Lovin' Lady to audiences via her BBC television series The Sound of Petula, and the song became a recurring feature in her US television appearances. One of the most memorable performances was a spirited duet with Helen Reddy on The Midnight Special, where its assertive energy resonated strongly with American viewers.

In 1978, Petula reprised the song for the all-women charity concert Golden Gala, held at the London Palladium and broadcast on 9 July. The event marked the 50th anniversary of equal voting rights for women in the UK, and Super Lovin' Lady proved a fitting choice, bold, celebratory, and empowering.

The track was finally issued on CD in 2009 as part of the Collectors' Choice compilation Open Your Heart, giving new listeners a chance to rediscover its punchy charm and historical significance.

2004 SUPERMAN Clark / Delanoe

Superman was among the final songwriting collaborations between Petula and French lyricist Pierre Delanoe, conceived for live performance at the Paris Olympia in September 2003. With its tongue-in-cheek charm and humorous take on love and the search for a modern-day hero, the song offered a lighthearted twist to their repertoire. Though originally slated for the concert, it was ultimately replaced by SOS Mozart, a Gilbert Becaud / Pierre Delanoe composition.

Petula's musical director Kenny Clayton arranged Superman, infusing it with theatrical flair befitting its cheeky tone and intended stage setting.

1973 SWISS VALLEY Clark / Michaele

Swiss Valley is a French-language ballad composed by Petula for her 1973 album released by AZ Records. The track featured a sweeping string arrangement and a grand musical bridge that elevated Petula's melodic line with cinematic flair. It was included on the Petula album and also served as the B-side to her second AZ single, Thank You My Lord.

In addition to the original French version, Petula later wrote and recorded an English lyric for Swiss Valley, though this version remained unreleased until 2009, offering fans a long-awaited glimpse into the song's bilingual journey.

1965 TELL ME (THAT IT'S LOVE) Clark / Bernet / Hatch

Tell Me is a Clark / Hatch composition recorded specifically for Petula's 1965 album Downtown. The album itself was swiftly assembled and released by PYE Records to harness the extraordinary success of the title track. Tell Me contributed to the album's momentum, offering a fresh example of the Clark / Hatch songwriting partnership during a pivotal moment in Petula's international breakthrough.

1966 THERE GOES MY LOVE, THERE GOES MY LIFE Clark / Hatch / Trent / Ballay

Co-written by Petula, Tony Hatch, and Jackie Trent, There Goes My Love, There Goes My Life is a stirring ballad that blends emotional intensity with melodic elegance. Petula's evocative recording was featured on her 1966 album I Couldn't Live Without Your Love, capturing the song's sense of romantic loss with poignant clarity. Jackie Trent later offered her own interpretation, adding a personal dimension to the trio's collaborative composition.

1998 THE THEATRE Clark

This contemplative poem was written by Petula and has often been recited during her live performances. She composed the piece while travelling between Paris and London aboard the Eurostar, describing the writing process as spontaneous and deeply personal.

Petula first shared the poem publicly in Rhyl in 1998, opening her UK tour Where The Heart Is. She later recorded it as a spoken word track for her 2000 charity CD single Seize The Day, with all proceeds benefiting Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS and other AIDS-related charities.

Reflecting on the poem, Petula described it as her first foray into poetry, distinct from her extensive experience writing song lyrics and music. She expressed a heartfelt belief in the transformative power of theatre, noting how comedy, drama, and music can foster shared emotional experiences and help audiences feel less alone. While the poem touches on performance, it also speaks to the broader sense of community and connection that theatre inspires.

1964 THEME PETULA Clark

This piece is one of six original themes composed by Petula Clark for the 1964 French film A Couteaux Tires, with musical direction by Tony Hatch. All six selections were issued on the French EP A Couteaux Tires (Disques Vogue, EPL 8198) in 1964. While the EP remains a rare collector's item, none of the themes have been released on CD to date. However, the film itself is available on DVD.

1980 THEME 1 - POUR JULIA
THEME 2 - VALSE PASTORALE
THEME 3 - LE FOXTROT
THEME 4 - UNTITLED Clark

In August 1980, Petula teamed up with her then musical director Kenny Clayton to develop a suite of concept instrumental themes intended for cinematic use. Clark composed four distinct pieces, which were recorded on 2 August 1980 by The Kenny Clayton Trio, featuring piano, drums, and bass, at Radio Luxembourg Studios on Hertford Street, London.

The first theme, Pour Julia, is a dramatic and expansive melody that opens with Kenny Clayton's solo piano before gradually introducing the full trio. Notably, the middle eight of Pour Julia was later repurposed for the song Young 'Un in the Clark / Shipman musical Someone Like You.

Valse Pastorale, written in elegant waltz time, showcases Petula's lyrical sophistication. Clayton's arrangement lends the piece a dreamy, refined quality. Its melody was later adapted into the fragment Paris, conceived for Petula's one-woman show concept.

Le Foxtrot, composed in the style of the 1940s, features a lively, jazz-inflected arrangement by Clayton that evokes the musical spirit of the era.

All four themes were eventually released in 2007 on the Sepia Records retrospective In Her Own Write, offering listeners a rare glimpse into Petula's instrumental versatility and cinematic imagination.

1969 THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Grant

Composed under Petula's pseudonym Al Grant, Things Bright and Beautiful was written for her 1969 album Just Pet. The song's vibrant, psychedelic arrangement echoed the experimental textures found throughout the album, marking a bold stylistic moment in Petula's discography. It was also issued as the B-side to the minor U.S. hit single No One Better Than You.

The song's appeal extended beyond Petula's own recording. Rod McKuen and Glenn Yarbrough both offered their interpretations, while Rock Hudson recorded a version, featuring additional verses by McKuen, for his 1970 album Rock Gently, produced at Phillips and Chappell Studios in London and released on the Stanyan label. More recently, New York cabaret artist Moira Danis included Things Bright and Beautiful in her live show and on her album Beautiful Sounds - The Songs of Petula Clark, celebrating its enduring charm and versatility.

1963 THIS IS GOODBYE Clark / Anthony

The English-language version of Elle Est Finie (La Belle Histoire) featured lyrics by Tony Hatch, writing under his pseudonym Mark Anthony. Titled This Is Goodbye, the song was first released in autumn 1963 as the B-side to the PYE single Baby It's Me, also penned by Hatch under the same alias. Two years later, This Is Goodbye was included on the 1965 Downtown album, compiled and issued by PYE to showcase Petula's growing international repertoire.

2012 THIS ISN'T HOW I PLANNED IT Clark / Shipman

This additional composition was written by Petula and Dee Shipman in 2012 for their musical J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola. The piece was later recorded in 2014 with Dave Willetts as Zola on lead vocal, expanding the musical's repertoire with a fresh thematic layer that reflected the collaborators' continued creative synergy.

1986 THREE TIME LOSER Clark / Shipman

Originally written in 1986 by Petula and Dee Shipman, Three Time Loser was conceived as part of a soliloquy sequence for the musical Someone Like You, alongside Look Where the Journey Led, Empty Spaces, and Green Hill, West Virginia. The initial demo was recorded at PRT Studios in London (formerly PYE Studios), with the song staged as a moment in Act Two where the character Abigail confronts the ghosts of her past.

Following the demo, Petula and Dee revisited the piece, reshaping its introduction and infusing it with a more rhythmic, country-inspired feel. This revised version was recorded in early 1989 at Dee Shipman's Hertfordshire studio, with Petula accompanying herself on piano in a two-take session. During the same recording, she also demo'ed Losing You which later became Without You.

Dee later penned a new lyric to the melody, titled One Man Woman, which Petula performed as a work-in-progress at the Bournemouth International Centre in July 1989.

Ultimately, neither Three Time Loser nor One Man Woman were included in the final staging of Someone Like You. However, the melody found new life in the song Celebrate, which was performed and recorded for the Virginia Arts Festival, continuing the creative journey of the original theme.

1991 (I LOVE YOU) TI AMO Clark / Shipman

Widely regarded as the showstopper of the Clark / Shipman musical concept J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola, Ti Amo features a sweeping, emotionally charged melody by Petula, paired with a poignant lyric by Dee Shipman. The song is performed by the character Zola in the final moments of the production, during his exile, a dramatic culmination underscored by its musical intensity.

The first demo of Ti Amo was recorded in September 1991 by Dave Willetts, with an elegant arrangement by classical pianist Paul Bateman for the Zola session. At the close of that session, Petula recorded her own interpretation, an expressive and superbly delivered version that captured the song's emotional depth.

Two months later, Petula revisited the piece, recording an abridged version that omitted the middle eight. This streamlined rendition was later included on the 2007 retrospective In Her Own Write, offering a more intimate take on the original.

In 2006, Petula reimagined Ti Amo with a new lyric, retitled Together (Ensemble), further expanding the song's emotional and thematic reach.

Dave Willetts returned to the role of Zola in 2011 to record Ti Amo once more for the concept cast album released by Stage Door Records, reaffirming the song's central place in the musical's legacy.

In 2013, Dave Willetts included the song in his cabaret repertoire during a performance at the Crazy Coqs in London, offering audiences an intimate interpretation in the refined setting.

1966 TIME FOR LOVE Clark / Pallavicini / Hatch

Time For Love was originally recorded in Italian under the title Non Mi Guardi Mi, before receiving new English lyrics by Tony Hatch. The song was released as the B-side to Petula's international hit A Sign of the Times, offering a tender counterpoint to the single's upbeat energy. It was later included on the My Love album, issued in spring 1966.

2004 TO MEMPHIS Clark

To Memphis was written by Petula in December 2004 during a week-long visit to the Tennessee city, where she attended a gala evening organised by the late David Gest in support of the homeless. Moved by the city's rich musical heritage and soulful atmosphere, Petula composed the bluesy, gospel-inflected homage as a personal reflection of her time there.

On 9 January 2005, she recorded a demo of To Memphis at Joseph Baker's New York studio, accompanying herself on piano. The song was later reimagined for live performance by her musical director Kenny Clayton, whose arrangement introduced a more soulful texture and a standout guitar solo. Petula debuted this version in concert at The Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on 7 March 2005, and the song quickly became a cherished part of her live repertoire.

In spring 2008, Petula recorded a new studio version at London's Air Studios, which was featured on her charting album Then & Now. Universal captured the recording session on film for promotional use, further highlighting the song's significance.

In 2016, Petula returned to the city that inspired the piece, performing To Memphis at the Memphis in May International Festival as part of Memphis Salutes Canada – A Toast to Canada, a concert once again produced by David Gest. Though written while walking the streets of Memphis, this marked the first time Petula performed the song in the city itself, bringing the journey full circle.

1991 TOGETHER AT LAST Clark / Shipman

Together At Last was composed in 1991 by Petula and Dee Shipman as a proposed duet for Petula and Michael McDonald. The song, a polished pop number with an infectious melody and lyric, was intended for recording sessions backed by Michael Jackson and produced by David Gest. Although a domestic demo was completed, featuring Petula double-tracking her own vocals, the envisioned duet with McDonald was never realised.

Nonetheless, Petula and Michael McDonald did collaborate on When You Get Right Down To It, leaving Together At Last as a fascinating "what might have been" in Petula's catalogue of unreleased gems.

2006 TOGETHER (ENSEMBLE) Clark

Together (Ensemble) originated as an adaptation of Ti Amo, the Clark / Shipman ballad written for J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola. Initially envisioned as a duet between Petula and Rod McKuen for a proposed album of their collaborations, the song ultimately found its voice through a partnership with Andy Williams.

Williams recorded his vocals at the Moon River Theatre in Branson, while Petula laid down the piano track in Los Angeles.

Following its completion, Together premiered on an English-language radio station in Switzerland. It was released as a CD single by Petula's own Belle Tulipe Productions and made available exclusively online and at the Moon River Theatre gift shop.

During her autumn concert season with Andy Williams, the pair performed Together nightly, bringing the duet to life on stage. Petula also presented the song with special guest Michael Ball during her November 2006 concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which was broadcast by BBC Radio 2.

2006 TOGETHER (ENSEMBLE) Clark

Together (Ensemble) originated as an adaptation of Ti Amo, the Clark / Shipman ballad written for J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola. Initially envisioned as a duet between Petula and Rod McKuen for a proposed album of their collaborations, the song ultimately found its voice through a partnership with Andy Williams.

Williams recorded his vocals at the Moon River Theatre in Branson, while Petula laid down the piano track in Los Angeles.

Following its completion, Together premiered on an English-language radio station in Switzerland. It was released as a CD single by Petula's own Belle Tulipe Productions and made available exclusively online and at the Moon River Theatre gift shop.

During her autumn concert season with Andy Williams, the pair performed Together nightly, bringing the duet to life on stage. Petula also presented the song with special guest Michael Ball during her November 2006 concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which was broadcast by BBC Radio 2.

1988 TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE Clark / Shipman

Too Good To Be True was conceived as a number for the Soldiers in the musical Someone Like You. Although Petula developed the song's structure, it remained incomplete and was never finalised for inclusion in the production.

1964 LE TRESOR Clark

This piece is one of six original themes composed by Petula for the 1964 French film A Couteaux Tires, with musical direction by Tony Hatch. All six selections were released on the French EP A Couteaux Tires (Disques Vogue, EPL 8198) in the same year. While the EP remains a sought-after collector's item, none of the themes have been reissued on CD. However, the film itself is available on DVD.

1963 LE TRAIN DES NEIGES Clark / Plante

Written in 1963, Train Des Neiges is a lively seasonal song that first appeared on the Disques Vogue EP Entre Nous, Il Est Fou (EPL 8162). It was later included on the 1964 album Ceux Qui Ont Un Cœur (LD 623-30), further cementing its place in Petula's French-language catalogue. The song received a memorable televised performance during Petula's 1965 French TV special Petula: Au Far West, adding to its enduring charm.

1989 TRISTESSE Clark

Tristesse is a brooding and evocative composition by Petula, written for the Ingram Films docu-drama Petain. Produced by Dee Shipman, Clark provided the full soundtrack for the film, initially recording her themes on synthesizer. These were later adapted and orchestrated by Kenny Clayton for the final soundtrack, with Tristesse arranged for piano, cello, and oboe to enhance its melancholic tone.

Selections from Petula's score for Petain were featured on the 2007 CD retrospective In Her Own Write, offering listeners a glimpse into her dramatic and cinematic range.

The complete set of themes, along with the film itself, featuring Petula's original score and incidental music, is preserved on DVD within the archive collection.

1967 TU M'AS QUITTEE Clark / Aber

Georges Aber provided the French adaptation of Petula's composition While the Children Play, recorded in 1967. This version was featured on the highly successful Disques Vogue EP and album C'est Ma Chanson, marking its place among Petula's celebrated French-language recordings of the era.

1989 TU TROUVERAS L'HORIZON Clark / Shipman / Desjardins

The French adaptation of You'll Sail In The Sun, composed by Petula and Dee Shipman, was produced by Andre Di Cesare and Kenny Clayton. In 1989, Petula was commissioned by the Canadian Society for Research on Alzheimer's Disease to contribute a song for a charity recording. Moved by the cause, she and Shipman set out to create a deeply evocative piece that would speak to the emotional experience of caregiving and loss.

Kenny Clayton crafted the arrangement, building on Shipman's poignant lyrics. Initial demo recordings of You'll Sail In The Sun were made in London with a slightly different structure, before the song was refined and recorded in both English and French in Montreal. These versions were released on the cassette album Je Me Souviens / I Remember by Les Disques Star, a 15-track collection that included Petula's bilingual recordings of You'll Sail In The Sun and Tu Trouveras L'Horizon. A promotional single was also issued, featuring Tu Trouveras L'Horizon on the A-side and You'll Sail In The Sun on the B-side.

Reflecting on the song's creation, Dee Shipman recalled:

"Petula came over to my home, The Dower House, to do some more work on our musical Zola, and when she arrived she said, 'The Canadian Alzheimer Society wants me to record a song to raise money for Alzheimer awareness, what should we write?'

We spent an hour at the piano, getting all the extremely dark humour ideas out of our systems, before having a more thoughtful discussion about what it must be like to: a) have Alzheimer's, and b) be caring for someone who has it.

We decided the song should be from the perspective of one of these selflessly devoted partners. That's when the metaphor came to me, 'like a ship without an anchor, and two hours later, we'd written it."

1989 TWENTIES & THIRTIES Clark

Twenties and Thirties is an uptempo piece composed by Petula as part of her incidental score for the Ingram Films docu-drama Petain, produced by Dee Shipman. Petula originally recorded her themes using synthesizer, which were later adapted and orchestrated by Kenny Clayton for the final soundtrack. For this particular fragment, Clayton performed the piano arrangement featured in the film.

Selections from Petula's score for Petain were included in the 2007 CD retrospective In Her Own Write, offering a glimpse into her dramatic and cinematic compositions. The full set of themes, along with the docu-drama itself, featuring Petula's original score and incidental music, is preserved on DVD within the archive collection.

1965 TWO RIVERS Clark

Arranged and produced by Tony Hatch, Two Rivers is an autobiographical ballad that draws on the imagery of the Seine and the Thames to evoke Petula's personal and artistic journey. Recorded in 1965, the song was first released as the B-side to Round Every Corner, and later featured on the 1966 PYE album I Couldn't Live Without Your Love.

In 1976, Two Rivers was reissued in France, the UK, and Spain by Vogue and Pye Records as the flip side to Downtown '77, reaffirming its place in Petula's international catalogue. The song was revived in 2002 for The Ultimate Tour, where Petula performed it live, accompanying herself on piano, during early dates in Liverpool and Woking. Following these performances, the song was retired from the setlist.

Two Rivers also found new life through New York cabaret singer Moira Danis, who included her interpretation on the tribute album Beautiful Sounds - The Songs of Petula Clark, underscoring the song's enduring resonance.

1989 VALSE ADOLESCENT Clark

This piece represents the second theme composed by Petula for the Ingram Films docu-drama Petain, produced by Dee Shipman. Petula provided the full soundtrack for the production, initially recording her compositions on synthesizer. These were later adapted and orchestrated by Kenny Clayton for the final score.

Highlights from Petula's soundtrack were featured on the 2007 CD retrospective In Her Own Write, offering a glimpse into her dramatic scoring work. The complete set of themes, along with the docu-drama itself, featuring Petula's original score and incidental music, is preserved on DVD within the archive collection.

1998 WALES Clark

This fragmentary song was composed by Petula Clark for her autobiographical one-woman show, which premiered at Theatre St. Denis in Montreal in 2000. Intended to evoke the significance of various places that shaped her life and career, the lyrics offered a tender recollection of time spent in the mining villages of Wales.

Working closely with her then musical director Kenny Clayton, Petula developed a series of fragments through multiple writing sessions, producing working tapes for the proposed production. The melody drew inspiration from the traditional Welsh air David of the White Rock (Dafydd y Garreg Wen), composed in 1741 by David Owen, the renowned harpist from near Porthmadog in Caernarfonshire.

Although rich in personal resonance, the song ultimately remained unused in the final staging of the show.

1977 WHAT AM I DOING HERE? Clark

What Am I Doing Here? is an original composition by Petula, produced by Tony Eyers for her CBS album Destiny. Recorded in London in late 1977, the track stands out for its vibrant Spanish / Latin flair and uptempo energy. It was released as the B-side to Petula's first CBS UK single I'm Not In Love in early 1978.

To support the Destiny album, the BBC aired a high-profile television special Petula... And Songs of Love, produced by Yvonne Littlewood. The broadcast included a striking performance of What Am I Doing Here?, which highlighted the song’s rhythmic, danceable appeal. For this number, Petula's ensemble were costumed in full Southwestern cowboy attire, performing within a stylised saloon setting that added a playful, theatrical flair to the broadcast.

In 1979, Petula revisited the number for the Anglo-American television show Bonkers, performing it with backing from the Hudson Brothers, adding a lively twist to its televised legacy.

1990 WHAT CAN ONE PERSON DO? Clark / Shipman

What Can One Person Do? is a stirring and emotionally charged duet from Act One of the West End musical Someone Like You, performed by Abigail (Petula) and The Major (Dave Willetts). As one of the final additions to Harold Fielding's production, the song stands out for its dramatic intensity and thematic depth.

Though no professional recording was made, a domestic demo was recorded in late February 1990 by Petula and Dave Willetts, featuring piano accompaniment by Kenny Clayton. The demo captures the essence of the piece, offering a rare glimpse into its development and the collaborative spirit behind the show.

1985 WHAT YOU GOT! Clark / Shipman / Clayton

Originally conceived for Petula and Dee Shipman's early musical concept Amen, What You Got! was among the first songs composed for what would become the 1989 / 1990 production of Someone Like You. Co-written with musical director Kenny Clayton, the song also marked the first completed lyric by Dee Shipman for the show.

A demo recording was made on 27 June 1985 at Redwood Studios in London, featuring vocals by Paul Jones of Manfred Mann, a notable rarity for collectors. In the original Clark / Shipman book, What You Got! served as the Act One finale, performed by the character Kane. However, in later touring and London stagings, the number was repositioned to mid-Act One and expanded to include Kane and the Soldiers.

1977 WHEN YOU'RE GONE Clark

When You're Gone is a heartfelt ballad recorded in London for Petula's 1978 CBS album Destiny. Produced by Tony Eyers, the track reflects his signature late-1970s style, featuring layered vocal textures with Petula double-tracking her own voice. The arrangement includes spoken-word elements during the bridge, which are subtly echoed throughout the fade-out, adding emotional depth and studio character to the recording.

1965 WHERE AM I GOING? Clark

Where Am I Going? is a dynamic and rhythmically charged composition by Petula Clark, recorded in 1965. The track was issued as the B-side to her second U.S. number one single, My Love.

A rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the song's development was captured during candid moments in the 1965 French television special Petula: Au Far West. In these scenes, Petula is seen seated at a piano with her tape recorder, working through the melody and lyrics, offering fans a privileged view into her creative process.

1966 WHERE DID WE GO WRONG? Clark / Hatch

Where Did We Go Wrong was featured on Petula's 1966 album My Love, offering a reflective counterpoint to the title track's chart-topping success. The song later attracted attention from other artists, including a cover by the PYE group The Sands of Time and a U.S. rendition by The Vogues, adding to its appeal for collectors tracking international interpretations of Petula's material.

1967 WHILE THE CHILDREN PLAY Clark / Hatch / Aber

Featured on Petula's 1967 album Colour My World, While the Children Play blends Petula's gentle melody with Tony Hatch's distinctive late-60s production, incorporating a children's chorus that beautifully complements her heartfelt vocal. The track's wistful charm made it a standout among Clark's mid-60s recordings.

For collectors, the song also appeared on the UK PYE EP Here There and Everywhere (NEP 24286), adding to its appeal as part of Petula's extended catalogue during a creatively rich period.

1971 WIE DU Grant / Zimber

Wie Du is the German-language version of For Love. This adaptation was recorded in Paris in 1970, utilising the original 1967 Ernie Freeman backing track, an intriguing detail for collectors tracking studio lineage.

The song was released in 1971 as the B-side to the German single Das Ist Mein Leben, Cheri (The Song of My Life) on Vogue Schallplatten (DV 11149), adding a continental layer to Petula's multilingual discography and making it a sought-after item for fans of her European releases.

1990 WITHOUT YOU Clark / Shipman

Without You is a reworked version of the earlier composition Losing You, adapted specifically for the West End musical Someone Like You. In the production, the song was performed by the character Susannah, portrayed by Jane Arden, adding emotional depth to her storyline. This revision reflects the evolving musical narrative shaped by Petula and Dee during the show's development.

1971 THE WORLD SONG Clark / Bromley

A standout track from Petula's final PYE album Petula '71, The World Song pairs a driving, rock-inflected melody with lyrics that champion global unity and peace. Recognising its potential, PYE issued the track as a single, further cementing its place in Petula's catalogue of socially conscious recordings.

The song gained additional visibility through a memorable performance on ITV's The Golden Shot, broadcast in October 1971. Petula's appearance proved so popular with viewers that she was invited back for a repeat performance, making The World Song not only a musical highlight but a television moment cherished by fans.

1998 WORLD WAR II Clark / Shipman

Composed in 1998 for Petula's autobiographical concept show, World War II was a poignant musical reflection shaped around the original 1942 radio broadcast of Mighty Like a Rose. Petula invited lyricist Dee Shipman to craft words that would evoke wartime through the eyes of a child, blending innocence with historical gravity.

Working alongside musical director Kenny Clayton, Petula composed a new song and counter-melody that seamlessly intertwined with the archival recording. The piece was first performed at the Saint Denis Theatre in Montreal in October 2000, offering audiences a deeply personal and evocative moment within the production.

A French-language adaptation, Prelude a Guerre, was later written by Petula and performed at the Olympia Music Hall in Paris in September 2003, adding a bilingual dimension to this emotionally resonant work.

1988 THE WRITER Clark / Shipman

The Writer was the first song composed by Petula for the Clark / Shipman musical concept J'Accuse...! The Passions of Emile Zola. Conceived as the show's opening number, it was initially recorded as a demo by Dave Willetts in 1988, with a second version captured during the Southgate session in September 1991. The song also served as a reprise to close the demo, framing the narrative arc with thematic symmetry.

In 2011, Willetts, performing in the role of Zola, revisited The Writer for the concept cast recording released by Stage Door Records, giving the piece a polished studio treatment and cementing its place in the musical's developmental legacy.

1966 WUNDERSCHON WIE HEUT' Clark / Hatch / De Aviles

Wunderschon Wie Heut' is the German-language adaptation of Petula's dramatic ballad Where Did We Go Wrong. Issued in 1966 as the B-side to the German single So Wunderbar Verliebt Zu Sein (I Couldn't Live Without Your Love), the track adds a continental dimension to Petula's catalogue, offering collectors a glimpse into her international reach and linguistic versatility during the peak of her recording career.

1963 IL Y A TELLEMENT DE FILLES Clark / Delanoe

This lively 1960s pop number was the result of a collaboration between Petula and French lyricist Pierre Delanoe, with Clark composing the music. First released in 1963, the song was featured on the Vogue EP Plaza De Toros and became a staple in Petula’s live performances across France and continental Europe throughout that year.

In Spain, the song gained further traction under the title Hay Tantas Chicas En El Mundo, with notable recordings by Jorge Teijon, Miguel Ríos, Rocío Durcal, and Los Tharisman, each adding their own interpretation to the track's continental appeal. For collectors, these international versions offer a fascinating glimpse into the song's reach and adaptability across European pop markets.

1989 YOU'LL SAIL IN THE SUN Clark / Shipman

In 1989, Petula was invited by the Canadian Society for Research on Alzheimer's Disease to contribute a song for a charity recording. Collaborating with lyricist Dee Shipman, Petula composed You'll Sail in the Sun, an evocative piece crafted to reflect the emotional depth of the project. Kenny Clayton provided the arrangement, building on Shipman's poignant lyrics to shape a song that speaks to resilience and devotion.

Initial demo recordings were made in London, featuring a slightly different arrangement. The song was later refined and professionally recorded in both English and French in Montreal. These versions were released on the cassette album Je Me Souviens / I Remember by Les Disques Star, a 15-track collection that included Petula's bilingual recordings of You'll Sail in the Sun and Tu Trouveras L'Horizon. A promotional single accompanied the release, with Tu Trouveras L'Horizon on the A-side and You'll Sail in the Sun on the B-side, making it a notable item for collectors of Petula's philanthropic and multilingual work.

Dee Shipman reflected on the song's genesis:

"Petula came over to my home, The Dower House, to do some more work on our musical Zola. When she arrived, she said, 'The Canadian Alzheimer Society wants me to record a song to raise money for Alzheimer awareness, what should we write?'

We spent an hour at the piano getting all the dark humour out of our systems before having a more thoughtful discussion about what it must be like to: a) have Alzheimer's, and b) care for someone who does.

We decided the song should be from the perspective of one of these selflessly devoted partners. That's when the metaphor came to me, 'like a ship without an anchor', and two hours later, we'd written it."

1985 YOUNG 'UN Clark / Shipman

Young 'Un was among the earliest songs written during the initial development sessions for Petula and Dee Shipman's musical concept that would evolve into Someone Like You. Petula recorded a demo of the song, then titled Young 'Uns, on 27 June 1985 at Redwood Studios in London. The first take, sung in her usual key, was abandoned mid-performance. Two subsequent takes were recorded in a lower key to better reflect the vocal style and emotional tone of the character Serena.

For the next round of demo sessions at Snake Ranch Studios, Petula sought a more soulful interpretation and enlisted internationally acclaimed jazz and Broadway vocalist Marjorie Barnes, formerly of The 5th Dimension, to record the track. Barnes had previously collaborated with lyricist Dee Shipman, notably performing Shipman's Solitaire on the jazz album Black Birds. From that point forward, Barnes continued to voice the role of Serena in all subsequent demo recordings for Someone Like You.

In both the original Clark / Shipman book and the touring and London productions, Young 'Un is performed by Serena in Act Two, anchoring her character arc with emotional resonance.

1976 YOU'RE MY DESTINY Clark

You're My Destiny is a passionate love song that first emerged with a vibrant disco-inflected arrangement by Harold Wheeler, recorded in New York. A more refined version followed, arranged by Steve Gray and produced by Tony Eyers, recorded at Pye Studios in London in November 1977. This rendition became the opening track on Side B of Petula's 1978 CBS album Destiny, and was featured in several television appearances throughout that year.

In 2011, U.S. cabaret artist Maxine Linehan revived the song for her tribute album What Would Petula Do?, a spirited homage tracing Petula's career from her 1940s radio beginnings through her 1960s global stardom and acclaimed stage work into the 1990s. Linehan also performed You're My Destiny live at her concert at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. This performance was subsequently released on CD and is now available on streaming platforms, offering fans a contemporary interpretation of Petula's enduring composition in both studio and live formats.

1965 YOU'RE THE ONE Clark / Hatch

Widely regarded as Petula's most commercially successful original composition, You're the One became a hit in 1965 for Petula herself in the UK and Australia. The song gained further prominence in the U.S. when it was covered by the Pennsylvania-based group The Vogues, who scored a Top 5 hit, cementing the track's transatlantic appeal.

In 1986, Petula revisited the song for her Jango album Give It a Try, recording a new version arranged by Kenny Clayton. This interpretation introduced a slower tempo and a distinct country inflection, offering a fresh emotional texture to the original.

Two decades later, Clayton reimagined the arrangement once more, this time echoing Tony Hatch's original style, for Petula's live U.S. concert performances in 2006. That same year, You're the One was performed as a spirited duet with Michael Ball during Petula's Drury Lane concert, recorded for BBC Radio 2.

The song's enduring appeal also inspired New York cabaret artist Moira Danis, who included her own rendition in both her live show and on the album Beautiful Sounds - The Songs of Petula Clark, further extending the song's legacy across genres and generations.

1966 YOUR WAY OF LIFE Clark

Composed by Petula in 1966, Your Way of Life, featuring both music and lyrics by Petula, was issued as the B-side to her chart-topping single I Couldn't Live Without Your Love, released in June of that year. While the A-side garnered widespread acclaim, Your Way of Life offered a more introspective counterpoint, making it a notable inclusion for collectors exploring Petula's self-penned material during her peak pop era.

Collector's Spotlight - CD Retrospectives of Petula as Songwriter:

Australian CD release

UK CD release

UK CD release

For collectors and enthusiasts of Petula's work as a composer and lyricist, three key CD retrospectives stand out for their focus on her original material:

The Songs of Petula (Australia, 1993) - A rare regional release that highlights Petula's songwriting contributions, offering a unique glimpse into some of her lesser-known repertoire.

Beautiful Sounds - The Petula Clark Songbook (UK, 2000) - A thoughtfully curated collection showcasing Petula's lyrical and melodic craft, issued during a renewed wave of appreciation for her creative legacy.

In Her Own Write (UK, 2007) - The most comprehensive of the three, this retrospective includes highlights from Petula's dramatic scores and personal compositions, making it a cornerstone for serious collectors.

Each release offers distinct insights into Petula's artistry beyond her chart hits, and together they form an essential trio for those seeking to explore her work as a songwriter in depth.

Questions? Drop us an email: info@petula-archives.co.uk

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