La chanson de Barbara [English translation]

It was beautiful outside when I had my virginity

You had it too, you remember?

And I knew well that the time would come

For me to choose a husband, a lover

If he had money, if he was charming

Even on weekdays, if his collar was white

And if, by chance, he offered me his heart and his last name

I would tell him no

{Chorus:}

Never look away

Indifference is better

Even though the moon shines in the sky

And the boat sleeps on the blue waves

My heart is silent

It is better, much better

Don't give your heart away

And only show calmness and coldness

Wait, this isn't good

I answer right away

A man from Kent came first

And he was a nice cavalier

The second one was as rich as a king

The third one was crazy in love with me

They had money, they were charming

Even on weekdays, their fake collars were white

Very courteously, they offered me their hearts and their last names

I told them no

{Chorus}

So one fine day when the sky was clear

Came the one that offered me nothing

Without greeting me, he entered my room

He threw his hat on my bed

He didn't have money, he wasn't charming

Even on Sundays, his collar wasn't white

He couldn't offer me anything but himself for me to put up with

But I didn't tell him no

Before him1, I had to look away

It was him that appealed to me the most

The Moon twinkled in the skies

And the big boat sailed on the blue waves

All I had to do was give him my whole heart

For love, there is no reason

And the day happiness begins

We don't know how to say no

1. Before she met/started talking to him

• Artist:Juliette Gréco