J’entends siffler le train [English translation]

I thought it'd be better1

For us to leave without [saying] good-bye.

I wouldn't have the heart to see you again ...

But I hear the train whistling,

But I hear the train whistling of the train,

How sad it is, a train whistling in the night ...

I could imagine you alone, abandoned

On the wharf, in the crowd of "goodbyes".

And I hear the train whistling,

And I hear the train whistling,

How sad it is, a train whistling in the night ...

I almost ran toward you, I almost screamed at you,

I could hardly stop myself!

As it's far away that you're going,

As it's far away that you're going,

Will you ever have time to return?

~ ~ ~

I thought it was better

For us to leave without saying good-bye.

But I feel that everything's now over!

And I hear the train whistling

And I hear the train whistling

I'll hear the train whistling all my life ...

I'll hear the train whistling all my life

1. Lit. "worth better"