Ton fils

Sometimes we lose our lives
Having to earn it.
Some are born kings,
Others on the wrong side.

You come from a country you've almost forgotten,
Of sand and sun and eternal summer.
Those lucky enough spend their vacations there
But those born there can't work there.
After all these years just to exist,
I just want to say to your tired eyes:

I want your son to live better than you,
To be respected, better, to be addressed formally,
Like a man, a gentleman who doesn't lower his eyes,
Similar to all those people who speak without an accent.
I want your son to live better than you,
To have all his chances, all his rights,
To have a signature, white hands, a car,
And identity papers for eternity.

You're not a big talker. No one ever asked you.
You paid in sweat the price that must be paid.
You wanted him to have everything without ever counting,
So he has all his chances like the children of France,
For a last desire, for a final wish,
The only reason to believe in a meaning to your life.

I want your son to live better than you,
To be respected, better, to be addressed formally,
Like a man, a gentleman who doesn't lower his eyes,
Similar to all those people who speak without an accent.
I want your son to live better than you,
To have all his chances, all his rights,
To have a signature, white hands, a car,
And identity papers for eternity.