Three beautiful birds of paradise
Maurice Ravel
Three beautiful birds of paradise
(My love is gone to the war)
Three beautiful birds of paradise
Have passed this way.
The first was bluer than the sky
(My love has gone to the war)
The second was the color of snow
The third was red as vermillion.
"Beautiful little birds of paradise
(My love has gone to the war)
Beautiful little birds of paradise
What do you bring here?"
"I carry an azure glance
(Your love has gone to the war)
And I must leave on a snow-white brow
A kiss, even purer."
"You red bird of paradise
(My love has gone to the war)
You red bird of paradise
What are you bringing me?"
"A loving heart, flushing crimson."
(Your love has gone to the war)
"Ah, I feel my heart growing cold...
Take that with you as well."