Marius:
Out in the street, there we happened to meet
It was love at first glance for me
How can I say if she feels the same way?
Would she take a chance on me?
Agony! Nothing's ever the same
When you find one so beautiful
But you don't know her name
Anthony:
While I was roaming, I spotted her combing
Her long yellow hair
Church bells were ringing, and I heard her singing
A desperate air
"Green finch and linnet bird…"
Agony! Like you wouldn't believe
When you know she would go with you
If the Judge let her leave
Both:
Agony! Oh, the torture they teach
Anthony:
What's as intriguing
Marius:
Or half as fatiguing
Both:
As what's out of reach?
Marius:
Am I not sensitive, clever, well-mannered
Considerate, passionate, charming
As kind as I'm handsome
And wealthy to boot?
Anthony:
You are everything maidens could wish for
Marius:
Then why no?
Anthony:
Do I know?
Marius:
The problem's her dad!
Anthony:
You know nothing of dad stuff
Till his lackey is beating you bloody
As soon as you're nearing her
All the while hearing her
"Green finch and linnet bird, nightingale, blackbird… "
Marius:
Anthony!
Anthony:
Marius!
Both:
Woe! Though it's different for each
Marius:
Always ten steps behind
Anthony:
Always ten feet below
Both:
And she's just out of reach
Agony, that can cut like a knife
I must have her to wife