Avant l'heure [English translation]

Before the right time, it's not time

After the right time, it's no longer the time

I've met him a little too late

He had already met Germaine

He has loved me for five weeks

I cared about nothing

And then on day, he understood

He lied to me for three more weeks

Then he went to Germaine

Oh my children! What has befallen me!

I don't want him...

What (am I) to do with this?

Before the right time, it's not time

After the right time, it's no longer the time

When we say "a quarter to (the hour)", it's a quarter to!

I've met him a little too late!

Pierre loves Jean's wife

Jean loves Pierre's wife

Pierre's wife loves a sergeant

Jean's wife loves a lawyer [1]

What do they hope for,

These pitiful people?

If Pierre's wife had met the sergeant

Before meeting Pierre...

If Jean's wife had met the lawyer

Before meeting Jean...

It would be a completely differently story!

There should have been happiness in Nogent [2]

Instead of tears

The time, it's time

Before the right time, it's not time

After the right time, it's no longer the time

I've met him a little too late

When we say "a quarter to (the hour)", it's a quarter to!

I've met him a little too late!

... too late!

• Artist:Édith Piaf