Genius English Translations
Zaz - Paris sera toujours Paris (English Translation)
[Verse 1]
As a precaution we had better
Bar our windows
And cover our storefronts
Up to the tires of our cars
Remove the canvases from our museums
Shake up the Champs-Élysées
Swaddle our beautiful statues
With packed earth
Put out the streetlamps in the evenings
Plunge the city of light into darkness

[Chorus]
Paris will always be Paris!
The most beautiful city in the world
Despite the profound dark
Her radiance can never be dimmed
Paris will always be Paris!
The more we put out her light
The more her courage will shine
The more her spirit will shine
Paris will always be Paris!

[Verse 2]
To prepare everyone for the sound
We play sirens at night
Restrain ourselves to playing the fool
In pajamas in our basements
We've had enough of decrees
That would ban our veal and even jazz
Tell us to wear gas masks
Limit our crosswords to four squares
Command us in our homes
To be in bed by eleven

[Chorus]
Paris will always be Paris!
The most beautiful city in the world
And when restrictions abound
Graciously she accepts her role
Paris will always be Paris!
However many times they've limited her gas
They'll never limit her faith
Her good humor, and her spirit
Paris will always be Paris!

[Verse 3]
In spite of my faith, since October
The dresses have gotten very subdued
There are fewer flowers and feathers
And the colors are much more muted
Even though at the balls they've banned
Chinchillas and ermines
The very modest jewelry
Shines even brighter in their absence
The beauty is less ostentatious
Less affronting and less provocative

[Chorus]
Paris will always be Paris!
The most beautiful city in the world
Even when in the distance the canons groan
Her costume is even prettier
Paris will always be Paris!
They can limit her expenses
Her distinction, her elegance
Will only merit a greater price
Paris will always be Paris!