Le chat noir
Aristide Bruant
The Black Cat
The moon was calm
When on the boulevard,
I saw Sosthène appear
Who said to me: Dear Oscar!
Where you been, old buddy?
I replied to him:
It's Sunday today,
And tomorrow's Monday...
{Chorus:}
I'm searching for fortune,
Around the Black Cat,
In the moonlight,
In Montmartre!
I'm searching for fortune;
Around the Black Cat,
In the moonlight,
In Montmartre, at night.
The moon was less bright,
When I ran into
Mademoiselle Claire
To whom I whispered:
How are you, gorgeous?
- And you? - Very well, thanks.
- By the way, she said to me,
What are you looking for, here?
{Chorus}
The moon was darker,
Up above the cats were yowling,
When I spotted, in the shadows,
Two big eyes that were shining.
A raspy voice
Yelled at me: Damn it!
Gotcha, young man,
What are you up to? - Me... nothing...
{Chorus}
The moon was dim,
When they transferred me
To a precinct,
Where they asked me:
Are you a journalist,
Painter, sculptor, trust fund kid,
Poet or pianist? ...
What’s your job?
{Chorus}
