Sérénade du pavé

If I sing beneath your window
Like a charming troubadour
And if I want to see you show up
It's not, alas, out of love
I don't care if you're beautiful
Duchess, or a sweet-eyed girl
Or if you're washing the dishes
As long as you toss me a couple of coins

Be kind, oh my dear stranger
For whom I've sung so many times
Your offering is welcome
Show me some charity
Be kind, oh my dear stranger
For whom I've sung so many times
In front of me, in front of me, be welcome

Love, you see, I don't give a damn
It's only beautiful in songs
If one day I get rich
People will love me without pretense
I'd quickly have a lady
If I had at least a castle
Instead of an old wool sweater
And boots that are falling apart

Be kind, oh my dear stranger
For whom I've sung so many times
Your offering is welcome
Show me some charity
Be kind, oh my dear stranger
For whom I've sung so many times
In front of me, in front of me, be welcome

But your window stays shut
And the coins aren't falling down
I don't expect much anyway
Throw me whatever you want
Money, stale bread, or old rags
Anything will please me from you
And I'll pray to God to keep you
A bit better than He has for me

Be kind, oh my dear stranger
For whom I've sung so many times
Your offering is welcome
Show me some charity
Be kind, oh my dear stranger
For whom I've sung so many times
In front of me, in front of me, be welcome…