C'était mon copain [English translation]

I had an only friend

And they killed him

He was more than himself

He was more than myself

I think that when they killed him

They killed me too

And I cry at night

But they don't know it

He was my buddy

He was my friend

Poor old buddy

From my humble country

I see his face again

With his generous eyes

We were the same age

And we were happy

Friend, my poor friend

Will I ever see

You kind smile again

Among the vastness?

He was my buddy

He was my friend

I listen to the ballade

Of Death, of Life

The border's wind

Want to console my tears

But the water's river

Carries strange colors

However, in the woods

A mysterious chorus

Told me to keep

Hope forever

For those who built

A universe together

Will meet each other again

For they deserved it

Oh, my old mate

My buddy, my friend

Among the cold lands

I talk to you at night

And your heavy silence

I such a cruel evil

That I hear your presence

Sometimes at the bottom of the sky

• Artist:Gilbert Bécaud