Quand fera-t-il jour, camarade? [English translation]

They advanced, the air stubborn, fists in their pockets

they smiled, thinking of Gavroche;

they were pushing through into the wind,

and still, they hoped that day would come,

come one day!

"When will it be day, comrade?"

I always hear this question,

that they asked each other, comrades,

while an old cruiser in the harbour

yelled at full blast:

You'll never get rid of us!

They were advancing with great difficulty, with great steps;

they were coming from the war in the woods;

they were hoping for sun and love,

they always supported each other,

tighten the ranks!

"When will it be day, comrade?"

I always hear this question,

that they asked each other, comrades,

while an old cruiser in the harbour

yelled at full blast:

You'll never get rid of us!

Whenever they return the autumn and the Great Struggles

when the night is longer and darker,

I remember one evening in Petrograd

where the old folks were trying to find each other in dark.

"Hey, guys!"

"When will it be day, comrade?"

I always hear this question,

that they asked each other, comrades,

while an old cruiser in the harbour

yelled at full blast:

Revolution!

• Artist:Mireille Mathieu