L’Algérie [English translation]

In this harbour, we were millions of boys

We didn't have the heart to sing songs

Dawn was bright, it was almost beautiful

It was the first time I took a boat

Algeria,

Crushed by the blue

It was an adventure

That we didn't want to go on

Algeria

To the Bilda desert

That's where we went

To play Toy Soldiers

On the balconies, sheets and towels were hung to dry

Just like in Italy

We took a seat on an old train

It was poorly seated

Algeria

Even with a gun,

It was a beautiful country

Algeria

It was not a harbour to make mélo *

And yet, I swear to you that I had a heavy heart

When they saw the dock move away, move away

Some people couldn't stop crying

Algeria,

Crushed by the blue

It was an adventure

That we didn't want to go on

Algeria

To the Bilda desert

That's where we went

To play Toy Soldiers

Our fiancées wrote us letters

With the words of liars

Cigarettes burning in the evening

To be less afraid

Algeria

Even with a gun,

It was a beautiful country

Algeria

The harbour is not a harbour, but it's in my memories

Some nights, I can even see myself back there

On the faded dock, there was a prison boat

When Algiers smiled at the end of the horizon

Algeria,

Crushed by the blue

It was an adventure

That we didn't want to go on

Algeria

To the Bilda desert

That's where we went

To play Toy Soldiers

One day, I'll tell the story

To my grandchildren

Of traveling to where our only glory was

It was just 20 years ago

Algeria

Even with a gun,

It was a beautiful country

Algeria

• Artist:Serge Lama