Sympathique (Je ne veux pas travailler) - Pink Martini - MP3 instrumental karaoke

Pink Martini's "Sympathique (Je ne veux pas travailler)" is a standout track from their debut album Sympathique, released on November 11, 1997. The song was co-written by bandleader Thomas Lauderdale and vocalist China Forbes, drawing inspiration from French poet Guillaume Apollinaire's poem "Hôtel." The lyrics, expressing a desire to avoid work and indulge in leisure, resonated with many, leading to its nomination for "Song of the Year" at France's Victoires de la Musique Awards. Musically, the track blends jazz, Latin, and classical influences, featuring Forbes' sultry vocals accompanied by a rich orchestration that includes piano, trumpet, and percussion. The song's catchy refrain, "Je ne veux pas travailler" ("I don't want to work"), became an anthem for those yearning for a break from daily routines. Its success contributed significantly to the album's international acclaim, with Sympathique achieving platinum status in France and Greece, and gold in Canada, Switzerland, and Turkey.