Chante piroguier [English translation]

Sing, boatman, your burden

will be lighter if it's beautiful.

Through the forest, your stray lament

always precedes you.

Be on your way, boatman,

as soon as the day broke,

and without rest, awaiting evening,

sing your hope, boatman.

Watch out, your boat

is skimming the water,

laden with gold

and rocked by these treasures.

And while you marvel

at a beam of sunlight,

my friend, you don't see

the treasures that fill your dugout.

If your master could1,

he would give you half of it.

You wouldn't keep

rowing all your life

rowing all your life

rowing all your life

Sing, boatman, your burden

will be lighter if it's beautiful.

Through the forest, your stray lament

always precedes you.

Be on your way, boatman,

as soon as the day broke,

and without rest, awaiting evening,

sing, boatman. Oh oh oh...

1. The song dates back from French colonial era. History seems to have proved the masters needed somewhat stronger incentives than common decency to share their treasures!