Billie Holiday recorded "Mon Homme" multiple times in English. Of the recordings, her first with pianist Teddy Wilson remains the best. During this young period of her life, the 1930s, her voice was at it's peak and she was accompanied by one of the best bands of the 1930s. Moreover, the way she concludes this depressing, rather sexist song with such a happy, upbeat lilt is undeniably catchy. Despite all the problems and sacrifices she makes for this man, Lady Day sounds sincere and the uplifting tone of her ending verse emphasizes happiness. Much like the woman she describes in the song, Billie herself fell prey to many men who she devoted herself to but received little in return, contributing to her deteriorating state. After her verse, the listener is treated to a "cute" piano solo from Teddy Wilson that is delectable and then ending in a loud, bluesy way. Songs like "My Man" evince the reasons for Lady Day's popularity to this day: she lived the life these songs talked about. And it didn't hurt to have great sidemen to make the music swing. Listen here.
Edith Piaf's "Mon Homme" here, if you want to hear want the original French song sounds like. It lacks the jazzy swing Billie Holiday, so I am not a fan. However, if it had sounded closer to "C'est Si Bon" by Yves Montand, I would be all over this.
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