Le temps des cerises [English translation]

When we sing of cherry time

and the happy nightingale and the mockingbird

will all be celebrating,

pretty girls will have foolish ideas in their heads

and lovers [will have] dunchine in their hearts.

When we sing of cherry time

the mockingbird will whistle much better.

But it's very short, the cheery time,

when we go off, dreaming, to harvest

some ear-rings,

cherries of love dressed alike

falling through the leaves like drops of blood.

But it's very short, cherry time,

pendnts of pink coral which we harvest while dreaming.

When you are there at cherry time

if you're scared of heartaches

avoid the pretty girls.

I, who am not afraid of harsh treatment,

I won't live without suffering some day.

when you are there at cherry time

you will have heartache too.

I shall always like cherry time.

It from that time that I keep in my heart

an open wound;

and Mistress Fortune, being offered to me,

will never be able to end my pain.

I shall always like cherry time

and the memory I keep in my heart.

• Artist:Yves Montand