Chanson d'Émilie Jolie et du grand oiseau [English translation]

[The storyteller]:

There is a big tree

And on this big tree are perched dozens of birds of all colors

Red ones, yellow ones, blue ones, green ones

Some are even red, yellow, green and blue at the same time

And the biggest of all the birds comes down from the tree and takes Emilie's hand

[Emilie]:

My name is Emilie Jolie

My name is Emilie Jolie

I would like to go with you

To the end of the sky on your wings

And I would like to live my life with you

[The big bird]:

Your name is Emilie Jolie

Your name is Emilie Jolie

You would like to go with us

To the end of the sky on our wings

And you would like to live your life with us

[Emilie]:

Yes, that's it, you understood me

So, tell me yes!

[The big bird]:

Your name is Emilie Jolie

You dream of flying at night

To go and join the sun

And even the moon, on our feathers

To take a little trip to heaven

[Emilie]:

Yes, that's it, you understood me

So, tell me yes!

[The big bird]:

But there are so many things to see

Before you leave for the firmament

There are so many pages to turn

Your life has just begun

There are so many things to see

Before you leave for the firmament

There are so many days and so many nights

You are at the beginning of your life

[Emilie]:

I've got so many things to see

But please, don't forget

The little girl with the blonde hair

Who sang you this song

My name is Emilie Jolie

My name is Emilie Jolie

And if one day I get old

I'll cross the sky on your wings

To the rendezvous in heaven

[The big bird]:

But take the time to live your life

My little Emilie Jolie

You know, in imaginary countries

The birds are not in a hurry

[The big bird]:

Goodbye Emilie,

And be careful to turn all the pages!

[Emilie]:

Yes, Mr. Bird, goodbye!

[The big bird]:

Goodbye.

[The storyteller]:

Come on, Emilie.

You know, the birds are always right.

You have to read the other pages,

That's the rule of picture books.

Oh, wait, do you know what the best part is?

We're on the page of the birds,

And we almost missed the ostrich!

Admittedly, she's never on time...

• Artist:Julien Clerc
• Album:Emilie Jolie (1979)