Ma derniere volonté [English translation]

I who have lived without scruples,

I must die without remorse.

I have had my share of dawns and dusks,

I must not cry out for "more!"

I the atheist, the poor wretch

Who took Satan for a novice,

I give back my soul, head bowed.

Death draws me by the hair.

To live, to live

Even without sunshine, even without Summer

To live, to live

That is my last wish.

Tell me that the Good Lord exists,

That he has a beard and hands.

That Saint Peter is the good guy,

They described to me in the books.

Tell me that angels have wings,

Tell me that chickens have teeth,

That I will play the cello,

Up there in my white suit.

To live, to live

Even homeless, even shoeless.

To live, to live

That is my last wish.

I blasphemed freely,

And from here I can hear my friends

Shout: "The traitor, the fool,

He is dying like a vulgar Christian."

They must forgive me if I am cowardly,

I want to laugh as much as they do.

But when one find oneself in my place,

We succumb to old age all the same.

To live, to live

Even lame, even by half.

To live, to live

That is my last wish.

I see the dark light,

It is as Father Hugo said.

I who thinks not of history,

I lack the mind to think about it.

No, I really no longer have the strength,

To play one last game with words.

I am leaving through the little door,

I am scared stiff.

To live, to live

When you have to go, you have to go.

To live, to live

Lord Saint Peter, a favour.

To live, to live

In full sunshine, in full Summer

To live, to live

That is my last wish

To live, to live, to live, to live.

• Artist:Serge Reggiani