Nathalie [English translation]

Red square was empty. Natalie led the way. She had a pretty name, my guide, Nathalie.

Red square was white; snow lay like a carpet. I followed Nathalie on that cold Sunday.

She spoke in sombre tones about the October Revolution. I was thinking that, after Lenin's tomb, we would go to Cafe Pushkin to drink chocolate.

Red square was empty. I took her arm and she smiled. She had blonde hair, my guide, Nathalie.

In her room at the University a group of students were waiting impatiently. We laughed and talked a lot. They wanted to know everything (about me). Natalie translated.

Moscow, the plains of the Ukraine, and the Champs-Elysees; they all blended together as we sang.

And then, laughing, they opened a bottle of French Champagne, and we danced.

When the friends had gone I stayed alone with my guide, Nathalie. No more sombre words. We were no longer involved in the October Revolution . Lenin's Tomb, chocolate at Pushkin's - they were already far away.

Now my life seems empty, but I know that one day in Paris it will be me who will be her guide.

• Artist:Gilbert Bécaud