The Opportunist

L'opportuniste

I am all for communism,
I am all for socialism,
And for capitalism
For I'm an opportunist.

While some contest,
Demand, and protest,
The only thing I know
Is how to change sides.
I always stand
On the safe side.

I'm not afraid of free-riders
Or even agitators,
I trust the voters,
And take the opportunity to make my pile.

While some contest,
Demand, and protest,
The only thing I know
Is how to change sides.
I always stand
On the safe side.

I belong to all parties,
I'm of all parts,
Involved in all factions,
I am the king of converts.

While some contest,
Demand, and protest,
The only thing I know
Is how to change sides.
I always stand
On the safe side.

I cry “Long live the revolution”
I cry “Long live the establishment”
I cry “Long live the demonstrators”
I cry “Long live the collaborators”

I never contest,
Neither demand nor protest,
The only thing I know
Is how to change sides.
I always stand
On the safe side.

I've changed sides so often,
My ground is falling apart.
On the next revolution,
I shall stand on my head^†.

Endnotes

• In the original lyrics, an idomatic expression is used for changing sides which literally would translate as “turning my coat inside-out”. On the last verse, the coat is falling apart so he says next time he'll turn his trousers inside-out.

Original text by JACQUES DUTRONC translated from French by EY@EL
© La Pensine Mutine. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited.

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