Paris sera toujours Paris [English translation]

For all this nailing as a precaution

Transoms to our windows

Giving our shop windows

And even the wheels of our cars a coat of blue

Removing paintings from our museums

Turning the Champs Elysees upside down

Swaddling with beaten earth

All the beauties of our statues

Veiling our street lamps at sundown

Plunging the City of Light into darkness

Paris will always be Paris

The most beautiful city in the world

For all the deep darkness around

Her sparkle cannot be dulled

Paris will always be Paris

The more you subdue her lights

The more you see her courage shine

The more you see her wit sparkle

Paris will always be Paris

So that everyone may get used to their noise

You might well play hooters at night

And force us to clown around

While in pyjamas in our cellars

No matter how many decrees

Will cut off our water and even our jazz

Impose gas masks on us

Or do four-square-only crossword puzzles

Make it compulsory for all of us at home

To go to bed at eleven sharp

Paris will always be Paris

The most beautiful city in the world

And when restrictions abound

She gently comes to terms with them

Paris will always be Paris

You might ration her petrol

You won’t lessen her confidence

Her good mood or her spirit

Paris will always be Paris

Even though, upon my word, since last October

Dresses have turned a lot more sober

With fewer flowers and fewer aigrettes

And colours much more subdued

Even though gala dinners have done with

Chinchillas and ermines

Decent jewelry has been conspicuous

Mainly by its absence

And beauty is less showy

Less cheeky less provocative

Paris will always be Paris

The most beautiful city in the world

Even when cannons roar in the distance

Her dress is all the prettier

Paris will always be Paris

You can restrict her expenses

Her distinction her elegance

Become all the more priceless

Paris will always be Paris

• Artist:Maurice Chevalier