Quand on revient [English translation]

When you return,

as beautiful as might be

the country from whence you return,

my God, how good it is to be home!

When you return,

you would like to sing.

The heart no longer really knows

if it is better to laugh or cry.

The aircraft will land,

and aside from my suitcases,

stuffed with memories,

I have a heart that breaks apart.

In the end, I see clasped

around the churches,

the France where I was born.

When you return,

as blue as might be

the blue sky from whence you arrive,

it is always beautiful at home.

I have on my passport

buildings and beaches.

Tags from hotels and ports

cover my luggage.

But among all of these names,

the image that stands out is

my old bridge at Avignon.

When I return

as grand as might be

the country from whence I arrive,

my God—how good it is to be home.

It's good finally to see again the country

where my parents—and my friends—await me.

It is the prettiest country

when I return.

• Artist:Mireille Mathieu