"Wight Is Wight" is a French song by Michel Delpech. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.[2] Released in 1969 it became a big hit in France and internationally. This hippy-influenced song was inspired by the first editions of the Isle of Wight Festival, mentioning Bob Dylan who played there in 1969. Donovan is also named in the chorus, even though he wouldn't appear at the festival before 1970, a few months after the song was released.[3]
The title is a pun based on Los Bravos' 1966 hit single Black Is Black, covered by Johnny Hallyday in the same year, as "Noir c'est noir".[4]
The following year, it was recorded with lyrics in English by the British singer Sandie Shaw. It was released by Pye as her second single of the 1970s, with "That's the Way He's Made" as a B-side, written by Chris Andrews.
It was also recorded in 1970 by the Belgian singer John Terra in Flemish.
In 1971 the Uruguayan pop group Los Campos record a version in Spanish, titled "Isla de Wight", and include it in their album "Mi Reino Bajo el Sol".[6]
Track listing
"Wight Is Wight" (Delpech, Vincent) – 3:00
"Wight Is Wight (instrumental)" (Delpech, Vincent) – 3:00