Siffle, siffle ma fille [English translation]

Whistle, whistle, girl

You’ll be a shepherdess

I can’t, Mother

I’ve never learnt how to do it

But if I had a man

I’d be happy

I’m almost sixteen now

How time flies!

Whistle, whistle, girl

You’ll be given necklaces

I can’t, Mother

All I can do is cry

But if I had a man

I’d be cheerful

When I’m in my alone

I dream that there’d be someone on my side

Whistle, whistle, girl

You’ll be given a rose

I’d rather, Mother

Whistle for something else

Yes, if I had a man

I wouldn’t feel as blue

I’d give all my roses

For a little bit of love

Whistle, whistle, girl

And you’ll get a man

But what, my girl, have you got

To whistle for, to whistle for that way?

I’d rather whistle for a man

Than for my sheep