We are gathering here today
To bid the past an adieu
Today old tradition will die
And we will begin anew

Who will stay with me to the last?
To stand against fate's bitter plans
For the flame that brings us our future
For our memories, our lives, our land.

And so the battle begins -
One of nature's cruel tirades
And a new flag is waving now
Up above the lone barricade.

White: the wings of the warbling dove
As she flies through the sunlit rays
Blue: the burgeoning morning sky
Its horizon, so empty and free
Red: the fire within our eyes
Raging there for the world to see

I recall a speech someone made
I believe that someone was me
"This century may be great,
But the next will surely be free."

These words I will always believe
Although in my life it won't pass,
We'll know the taste of freedom...
But the way is not easy, nor fast.

As I stand here all on my own
As my heart tells me I am the last
My mind has no time to linger
On all that happened and passed

Now death holds its silent reign
Jubilation has turned into rue
And, yet, my Patria's voice
Still in my mind rings true

Triumph will come where we fail
Others will rise when we fall
And the flag of freedom will sail
Over each house and hall

White - the glow on the empty streets
Blue - the Seine spark'ling at dawn
Red - still waves on our barricade
Bringing hope where hope is gone.