L'istrione [English translation]

I am only a ham

It’s the way that I am

I was born just to play

On a stage cold and bare

In a spotlight’s great glare

It’s my life it’s my way

I’m a ham look at me

On a stage I am free

Every moment is mine

Give me time to prepare

Get an audience there

And my talent will shine

It will shine

In shady rooms and smoky light

I bare my soul most every night

It’s both my torment and my risk

It’s in my blood

It’s in my soul

I live to act

To play my role

The final challenge burning bright

I talk I laugh I know it’s right

Though I’m only a ham

It’s my life it’s my story

It’s a world of my own

I can stand up alone

In my moment of glory

And when the stage lights dim

My cup fills to the brim

I feel I can’t go on

Until the moment comes

My heart pounds like a drum

I watch my execution

The curtains rise at last

Aside my fears are cast

I’ll enter make-believe

And watch me as I weave

The web of my illusion

Though I’m only a ham

Let me be what I am

I have chosen my fate

I knew right from the start

That I’d master my art

And I’d live to create

You may think I’m insane

And am foolish or vain

But I’m true to my cause

Set the stage

Light the light

You’ll see genius tonight

Here in my tour de force.

Tour de force.

Full make-up on

With natural face

With clumsy movements

Or with grace

I wish I thought

In even bursts

I feel drunk

I feel cursed

I’ll play the king

I’ll play the fool

I will be tender or be cruel

I live I die

I lie to you

And I believe

Some will envy or scorn

But it’s why I was born

I am proud of my story

I must be what I am

I am only a ham

In his moment of glory

• Artist:Charles Aznavour