Carmen, love is a bohemian child

When will I love you?
My word! I don’t have a clue
Perhaps never…
Perhaps tomorrow
But now is not the time
That is certain


Love is a rebellious bird
That nothing-no one
Ever could tame
And it’s in vain
That we call for it
If it suits it to refuse
Nothing will do
Threats or prayer
One speaks well,
The other is mute
And it is the other I prefer
He says naught
Yet he pleases me most!


Love is a bohemian child
That never knows any rule or law
If you love me not
I’ll love you
And if I love you…
stay alert! Watch out!



That bird you thought
You could surprise
Flutters its wings
And flies away
Love is far – you can wait
The wait is over – here it is!
All around you
Hurry! Hurry!
It comes
It goes
And it comes back
When You think you caught it
It escapes
But try to escape
And it catches you


Love is a bohemian child
That never knows any rule or law
If you love me not
I’ll love you
And if I love you…
stay alert! Watch out!



translated by Comte Almaviva