As I went to water the horses
Ilaire, ilaire, itou, ilaire, ilaire, oh ma nanette1
As I went to water the horses
I heard the cuckoo sing (x2)
It told me in its language
...
...
" Your beloved is soon to be burried "
What are you saying there, you mean beast?
...
...
I was by her side only yesterday evening.
And when I came across the moor
...
...
I heard the bells ringing.
And when I came into the church
...
...
I heard the priests singing
I then kicked the coffin2
...
...
" wake up, if you're asleep "
" Neither do I sleep nor slumber
...
...
I await you inside of Hell "
" See how my mouth is filled with earth
...
...
while yours is filled with love "
1. that's just a rhythmic/melodic pattern. "nanette" could be an affectionate diminutive, probably of "Anne": "Oh my dear little Anne" or something2. the modern meaning of "châsse" would be "shrine (containing relics)", but I suppose a coffin is meant here