Manuel [English translation]

He spent four seasons

behind the walls of a prison.

Me, I waited for Manuel.

I saw my garden blooming again

and I counted every morning

that would bring back to me Manuel.

I took the same train a hundred times

to exchange in front of a guard

words of love that could say little.

I could read in his eyes

tears hidden as best he could.

It is hard to watch a grown man cry.

The door opens on freedom.

Even the rain changes nothing.

It is nice out this morning.

It took virtually nothing

to divert his destiny

down the wrong path, Manuel.

For a mistake of his youth,

he has cut into his youth.

Can he forget that, Manuel?

He sometimes imagined the worst.

Me, I forced myself to smile

as a way to restore his confidence.

I said, "Don't worry,

John Francis will recognize you."

I spoke to him often about his father.

The door opens on freedom.

Even the rain changes nothing.

It is nice out this morning.

He spent four seasons

behind the walls of a prison.

Me, I waited for Manuel.

It's today that he returns to me.

I am going to wait for the last train

that will bring back to me Manuel.

I cut fresh flowers this morning.

I put on the satin dress

since it's the one he likes.

There he is now coming home.

Me, I will believe that he will stay on the right path.

Tonight, I dine with Manuel.

• Artist:Dalida
• Album:Il venait d'avoir 18 ans (1973)