Jeunes fillettes, profitez du temps!
La violette se cueille au printemps.
Cette fleurette passe en peu de temps;
Toute amourette passe également.
Dans le bel âge prenez un ami.
S'il est volage, rendez le lui!
Young ladies, make hay whilst the sun shines!
The violet has to be picked in springtime.
This blossoming passes all too quickly;
every little romance passes too.
Take a boyfriend while you are young.
Should he prove flighty, be flighty in return!
© translated by Christopher Goldsack
This song is included in the Singing in French anthology and a score and accompaniment can be downloaded from the site shop in several keys.
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