La blanche [English translation]

Howdy Michel, it's been a while

since I last saw you hanging out in my alleys.

I'm doing fine, what about you?

They say you're headed for trouble.

Your cheeks are gaunt, your hands callused

and you can't seem to walk straight.

You really got me worried there, mate.

They say you're quite far gone.

Looks like it's not all wine and roses

that white stuff.

What are you having? Not thirsty, eh?

You need your fix, you're broke and stuck.

Come on, have a beer, that won't hurt you.

That's legal dope, and cheap. Enjoy it!

By the way, you owe me a few quid. No big deal,

but still, I've had quite enough of your little scams.

I coughed up for your rehab, you were supposed

to go South and regain your health.

Is it cheaper to come by in Villefranche1

the white stuff?

It seems your chick dumped you and took your wheels too.

Looks like her looks and her bum would no longer get you hard

Well frankly you were just too good for her

No really, I'm not taking the piss, and I'm not being cruel either.

Anyway, you're all alone now, poor sod.

And now you're giving me that sad spaniel look.

You're quite the speedster, but you're out of steam.

Just a bleak stare in smoke and mirrors2

There's really one thing left that gets you going:

that white stuff.

Maybe you're right, I'm lecturing you like an old fart,

but at least I'm a living old fart, and quite peachy.

You're so messed-up while I'm feeling great.

I'm not quoting Bashung there, rather Nietzche.

You sniff a rail while I guzzle a can of beer,

While you get high I smoke my two packs.

To each his own, to each his guilty pleasures.

Some are more expensive than others though3

I'd rather leave you perched on your branch

with your white stuff

Well, so long Michel, see you soon.

Let's call each other and have a bite, right?

And now let me tell you, just flash me a smile

and you can forget all the things I just said, promise.

Now if I stumble on your dealer, I'll run a blade

right through his heart, for a good pal's sake.

That might be tricky, since the bastard

probably doesn't even have one.

You'll be resting well before him under

a white shroud4.

1. Villefranche-sur-Mer is a city on the mediterranean with a reputation for drug trafficking2. lit. "you only have powder in your eyes ,and pretty bleak eyes too". "poudre aux yeux" is like "smoke and mirrors"3. the french uses "flip" (getting high) that can also mean "flipper"(pinball), so the line reads "to each his pinball, but you don't get free games very often on yours"4. the French uses "between four planks", an equivalent of "six feet under", but I tried to keep the recurring "white"

• Artist:Renaud