Paris sera toujours Paris

Just to be safe, we put
Grills on our windows
Paint our storefronts blue
And even our car tires too
We’ll cover all our museums
Shake up the Champs-Élysées
Wrap all our statues in dirt
Hide the beauty, that’s the hurt
Cover the streetlights at night
Drown the City of Light in fright

Paris will always be Paris!
The most beautiful city in the world
Despite the deep darkness unfurled
Its shine can’t be dimmed, you see
Paris will always be Paris!
The more we cut down its lighting
The more we see its courage shining
The more we see its spirit free
Paris will always be Paris!

To get used to this noise, we train
We can play the siren at night’s reign
Force us to act like fools
In our pajamas, breaking the rules
No matter the orders we face
Cutting our beef and even jazz space
Forcing us to wear gas masks
With crossword puzzles as our tasks
We’re stuck in our homes, it’s true
And we all have to sleep by eleven too

Paris will always be Paris!
The most beautiful city in the world
And when restrictions are unfurled
It takes it all in stride, you see
Paris will always be Paris!
No matter how much you cut its essence
You can’t take away its confidence
Its good vibes and its esprit
Paris will always be Paris!

Though I swear, since October’s chill
Dresses have become more still
There are fewer flowers and less flair
Colors are more muted, I swear
Though at galas they’re cutting out
Chinchillas and ermine, no doubt
Jewelry that’s full of decency
Shines mostly by its absence, you see
Beauty’s less flashy, it’s true
Less brazen, less provocative too

Paris will always be Paris!
The most beautiful city in the world
Even when the cannons are unfurled
Its style is even more pretty
Paris will always be Paris!
You can limit its expenses
But its distinction and elegance
Only become more precious, you see
Paris will always be Paris!