I Was Here [English translation]

I know places which breathe

the air of time, the memories

the experiences

we go there to drink

and leave it for what it is

a shield

Those who unknowingly enter bring with them,

and leave behind at the time of their departure,

their thoughts

which stick to the walls and furniture

they seem to leave and then want

to stay

In these places, I love what's behind

the scenes once your glasses

are served

I play for the petty criminal

who walks his opinel (knife)

into your lives

Open your eyes because wherever I go

I leave behind me nicks

and scratches

and the rubble that remains

helps to fill my sadness

my cracks

Who has been in my shoes?

will I leave traces?

Me too! Me too!

that's why I spend my spare time

engraving "I was here" everywhere

Traces of first meetings

the kind that make our cheeks red

and eyelashes

beating the air like butterflies

lifting into a whirlwind

the dust

All this spreads and gives

maybe not quite a cyclone

reaching as far as China

but leaves in the surrounding air

a shiver which runs through

our spine

When we were in school

already sticking our chewing-gum

under the chairs

later, the very first wooden shoes

and addition on the bark

of an old oak

These minor offenses

will never prevent an eternal

holiday

but these hearts and rectangles

are in a way our

maternal language

that's to say...

Who came before me?

Will I leave traces behind?

Me too! Me too

that's why I occupy my free time

etching "I was here" everywhere I go

Who was at my place?

Will I leave behind evidence?

Me too! Me too!

that's why I spend my free time

writing "I was here" everywhere

• Artist:Renan Luce
• Album:Repenti (2006)