Les routiers [English translation]

The road is a long ribbon which unfolds, which unfolds

And to lose oneself in infinity far from any town, far from any town

The lorry-driver behind his steering-wheel who vibrates, who vibrates

Never has, never the time to look at the firmament

The day raises itself and goes down on the road which progresses

He must push his machine because it's there that his factory is

Forgetting the other roads which wander around

The lorry-driver never has the time to lose himself in the countryside

If you want to live a long time, pay attention to your steering-wheel

Because the road defends itself if you fall asleep at the wheel

Under the tender grass of spring, the embankment is inviting

But it's the ditch which awaits you if you fall asleep at the wheel

If you see on the horizon mirages, mirages

It's the moment to pay attention because there are sacred bends

From time to time, there are towns, we sleep there, everything is peaceful

You sleep there passing through your fat, howling lorry

The friend in the bunk sleeps above your head

If the time seem long to you, light a cigarette

Every day of the week and at whatever time

Your road is always the same at reading your load

If you want to live for a long time, pay attention to your steering-wheel

Because the road defends itself if you fall asleep at the wheel

The route is a long ribbon which unfolds, which unfolds

And to lose yourself in infinity, far from any town, far from any town

The lorry-driver behind his wheel who vibrates, who vibrates

He never has, never has the time to lose himself in the countryside

• Artist:Yves Montand