À Ma Fille

I know that one day will come because life demands it
That day I dread when you will leave us
I know that one day will come when sad and alone
Supporting your mother and dragging my feet
I’ll come back home to a "home" that’s empty
I’ll come back home where you won’t be.

You won’t see any of the things in my heart
Your eyes will be filled with joy and happiness
And I’ll wear a grin that you don’t know
That looks like a teary smile but really isn’t
Hiding my pain proudly at your side
I’ll guide your steps no matter what I think or say
In the solemnity of a peaceful church
To give you to the man of your choice
Who will strip you of the name that’s ours
To give you another one that I don’t know.

I know that one day will come when you reach that age
When you break free from cages having found your way
I know that one day will come, age will have blossomed you
And the dawn of your life will rise elsewhere
And alone with your mother, day and night
Summer like winter, we’ll feel a little cold.

And he who knows nothing of the pain we’ve endured
He who won’t have done anything to mature your years
He who will come to steal what I fear the most
Our share of the past, our share of happiness
This stranger without a name, without a face
Oh! how much I hate him
And yet if he’s to make you happy
I won’t have any hateful thoughts toward him
But I’ll offer him my heart with your hand
I’ll do all this knowing that you love him
Simply because I LOVE YOU
The day he comes.