Текст песни It Will Be My Day (Je m' voyais déjà) - Charles Aznavour

At eighteen I grew restless for the city
I'd seen its lights that beckoned from afar
I packed my dreams, assured I'd be successful
I'd sing my songs, I'd soon become a star

I needed clothes to make the right impression
I bought a suit, the finest tailor-made
Had an act, then designed, with the ladies in mind
Endure the debt I felt would be repaid

Oh, I'd see my name emblazoned in neon
The biggest, the best, above all the rest, wherever I'd play
I dreamed I would be acknowledged the greatest
The cream of the crop, I stood at the top, I was there to stay

The loveliest girls would gather around me
With photos to sign, they all would be mine for less than a smile
My curtain would cue, resounding ovations
Their deafening roar would ring out for more, I'd go off in style

Though now beneath my makeup, my features are ageing
My voice is still there, my gesture's precise, my talent would glow
At times I've held bitterness, for nothing has happened
I've struggled and strived, but never arrived, and I'm still unknown

And yet I believe that my time is coming
If given the breaks, I've got what it takes to go all the way
Then under my feet the stage would be pulsing
Finally I'd be there in the spotlights glare, it would be my day

For thirty years it's been an endless circle
I've made the rounds, they always look the same
I sing my songs, but people seldom listen
They never care, for they don't know my name

To keep alive, I've played the third-rate bookings
I have no choice, I take what I can find
Sleazy clubs, little pay, easy girls, sleep all day
But in my dreams, I leave it far behind

I dreamed that I'll be relating the story
Of how I prevailed when I should have failed, in my quest for fame
I dreamed that I'll be enjoying my leisure
Taking life in stride, ladies at my side, wild from the game

On opening night, I'll calmly be reading
The thousands of words from those who admire my standing alone
The stage light would dim, the moment would quicken
My heart in my throat, I'd hear the first note, I'd be on my own

I've tried to find a gimmick, to lift me from darkness
I've sung about love, I've tried rhythm songs, a stale joke or two
If everything fails and I'm left in the shadows
The fault isn't mine, I asked for a chance, but nothing came through

I've no one to thank, for no one has offered
To give me a hand, or take any stand, that's out of their way
But deep in my heart, I know that I have it
And I'll get my due life, will start anew, it will be my day