Les Marquises (2010)

Written by Jacques Brel

Vocals by Johanna's High

Original English translation:

They speak of death like a fruit in a shell

They see the sea’s depth as you would a well

Irresistible women in a punishing sun

When winter is missing no summer can come

The crossing rains thresh all the grains

Old white steeds chant in a tint of Gauguin

The missing breeze brings time to its knees

In the Marquesas

The fiery evening splendor and the quiet midnight clear

In silent bright crescendo the moon draws ever near

The ocean rent asunder in an infinite malaise

Brave rocks bearing the brunt their names lost beneath the waves

Amid the distant howls hide solitary psalms

Two lovers trading vows will keep dancing until dawn

The night in stasis the trade wind breaks

In the Marquesas

With a smile deep inside and a twinkling gaze

The heart takes flight come what may

The coconut palms compose their love songs

As the devoted ignore the allure of their calls

The drifting canoes go separate ways

Here memories we lose to age’s embrace

No cries no complaints in the isles of complacence

The Marquesas