Paris Will Always Be Paris

For all this nailing as a precaution transoms to our windows
Giving our shop windows and even the wheels of our cars a coat of blue
Removing paintings from our museums turning the Champs Elysees upside down
Swaddling with beaten earth all the beauties of our statues
Veiling our street lamps at sundown plunging the City of Light into darkness

Paris will always be Paris the most beautiful city in the world
For all the deep darkness around Her sparkle cannot be dulled
Paris will always be Paris the more you subdue her lights
The more you see her courage shine the more you see her wit sparkle
Paris will always be Paris

So that everyone may get used to their noise
You might well play hooters at night
And force us to clown around
While in pyjamas in our cellars
No matter how many decrees
Will cut off our water and even our jazz
Impose gas masks on us
Or do four-square-only crossword puzzles
Make it compulsory for all of us at home
To go to bed at eleven sharp

Paris will always be Paris
The most beautiful city in the world
And when restrictions abound
She gently comes to terms with them
Paris will always be Paris
You might ration her petrol
You won’t lessen her confidence
Her good mood or her spirit
Paris will always be Paris

Even though, upon my word, since last October
Dresses have turned a lot more sober
With fewer flowers and fewer aigrettes
And colours much more subdued
Even though gala dinners have done with
Chinchillas and ermines
Decent jewelry has been conspicuous
Mainly by its absence
And beauty is less showy
Less cheeky less provocative

Paris will always be Paris
The most beautiful city in the world
Even when cannons roar in the distance
Her dress is all the prettier
Paris will always be Paris
You can restrict her expenses
Her distinction her elegance
Become all the more priceless
Paris will always be Paris