Carmen, Act 1: Quand je vous aimerai?... L'amour est un oiseau rebelle

When would I love you?
Well, I do not know...
Maybe never!…
Maybe tomorrow!...
But not today, that’s for sure.
Love is a rebellious bird
That no one can tame,
And it is in vain that he is called,
If it suits him to refuse!
Nothing helps, threat or prayer,
One speaks well, the other is silent;
And that's the other one I prefer,
He did not say anything, but I like him.
Love!
Love is a Bohemian child
He never, never knew any law,
If you do not love me, I love you,
If I love you, beware!
The bird that you thought you caged
Beat the wing and flew away;
Love is far away, you can wait for it,
You do not expect it anymore, he is there.
All around you fast, fast,
It comes, goes away, then comes back;
You think to hold it, it avoids you,
You think you avoid him, he's holding you!
Love!
Love is a Bohemian child
He never, never knew any law,
If you do not love me, I love you,
And if I love you, beware!