Les Flonflons du bal [English translation]

The dance band music,

With loud beats of the cymbal

And accordion,

Shakes up my song.

The dance band music

Entertains

Downstairs from me

Every evening of the month

Try as I may to lock it out,

Triple lock even,

The music gets mixed up

With my love stories.

The dance band music,

Along dirty walls

Rises in surges

Up to the attic.

The dance band music,

With loud beats of the cymbal

And accordion,

Shakes up my song.

Even when I’m grieving

It’s the same refrain.

Even if you’re nearly dead

It’s played just as loud.

I nearly died

The day that you left.

But to soften the music,

My heart wasn’t enough.

The dance band music,

It doesn’t care.

You might be crying,

But the music’s for dancing …

The music, it’s selling joy

Everyone for himself

It’s better for them,

Too bad for me …

• Artist:Édith Piaf