Mourir pour des idées

Dying for ideas, the idea is excellent
I almost died for not having it
Because all those who had it, overwhelming multitude
Screaming for death, fell upon me
They managed to convince me and my insolent muse
Renouncing its mistakes, rallies to their faith
With a hint of reservation, however
Let's die for ideas, okay, but a slow death
Okay, but a slow death

Judging that there is no danger in staying put
Let's go to the other world strolling along the way
Because, by forcing the pace, one may die
For ideas that are no longer relevant the next day
Now, if there is one bitter, distressing thing
When giving up the ghost to God, it is to realize
That we took the wrong path, that we were mistaken
Let's die for ideas, okay, but a slow death
Okay, but a slow death

The golden-mouthed saints who preach martyrdom
Most often, moreover, linger here below
Dying for ideas, it's safe to say
It's their reason for living, they don't deprive themselves of it
In almost all camps, we see those who outlast
Soon Methuselah in longevity
I conclude that they must say to themselves, in private
Let's die for ideas, okay, but a slow death
Okay, but a slow death

Ideas demanding the famous sacrifice
Sects of all kinds offer their aftermath
And the question arises to novice victims
Dying for ideas, it's fine but which ones?
And since they all resemble each other
When he sees them coming, with their big flag
The wise man, hesitating, circles around the tomb
Let's die for ideas, okay, but a slow death
Okay, but a slow death

If only a few hecatombs were enough
For everything to finally change, for everything to finally be resolved
Since so many 'great evenings' where so many heads fall
In the earthly paradise we would already be
But the golden age is constantly postponed
The gods are always thirsty, never have enough
And it's death, death always starting over
Let's die for ideas, okay, but a slow death
Okay, but a slow death

Oh you, firebrands, oh you, good apostles
Die first, we yield the floor to you
But for heaven's sake, damn it! Let others live!
Life is pretty much their only luxury here
Because, after all, the Grim Reaper is vigilant enough
She doesn't need anyone to hold her scythe
No more macabre dance around the scaffolds!
Let's die for ideas, okay, but a slow death
Okay, but a slow death