Le monde est stone

"Le monde est stone" (meaning "the world is stone") is a song written and produced by Michel Berger and Luc Plamondon for the 1978 Canadian-French musical Starmania. It was originally performed by Fabienne Thibeault and released on the Starmania album in 1978. The English-language version of the song with lyrics by Tim Rice, titled "The World Is Stone", was recorded by American singer Cyndi Lauper and released on the Tycoon album in 1992. Celine Dion recorded "Le monde est stone" for her 1991 album, Dion chante Plamondon.

Cyndi Lauper version
Cyndi Lauper recorded the English version of "Le monde est stone", titled "The World Is Stone" for the Tycoon album in 1992. "Le monde est stone" has been most notably associated with Fabienne Thibeault, Marie Carmen, Celine Dion, and Maurane. The song was composed by Michel Berger. The original French lyrics were written by Luc Plamondon, and the English lyrics were written by Tim Rice.

Although this single was not released in United States, it was a hit in several European countries, especially in France, where it reached number two, stayed in the top five for three months, and totaled 31 weeks in the top 50. On the single, the B-side is a song entitled "Learn to Live Alone", which was featured on the soundtrack to the English version of Starmania, Tycoon.

Critical reception
Upon its release, Jon Wilde of Melody Maker described "The World Is Stone" as "the kind of muzak ballad that would give seasick a bad name".

Track listings
UK CD1 and Australian CD single
 * 1) "The World Is Stone" – 4:24
 * 2) "Learn to Live Alone" – 5:08
 * 3) "Time After Time" – 3:59

UK CD2
 * 1) "The World Is Stone" – 4:24
 * 2) "I Drove All Night" – 4:08
 * 3) "What's Going On" – 3:51

European 7-inch, CD, and cassette single
 * 1) "The World Is Stone" – 4:24
 * 2) "Learn to Live Alone" – 5:08

Personnel
Personnel are adapted from the UK CD1 disc notes.
 * Michel Berger – writing
 * Luc Plamondon – writing
 * Tim Rice – writing
 * Cyndi Lauper – vocals, production, arrangement
 * Peter Wood – arrangement
 * Frank Filipetti – mixing
 * Guy Gray – recording