Absinthe, I adore you, truly! It seems, when I drink you I inhale the young forest's soul During the beautiful green season Your perfume disconcerts me And in your opalescence I see the full heavens of yore As through an open door What now, oh refuge of the damned! That you a vain paradise be If you appease my need; And if, before I enter the door You make me put up with life By accustoming me to death Absinthe; say no more, say no more... I am the green fairy My robe is the color of despair I have nothing in common with the fairies of the past What I need is blood, red and hot The palpitating flesh of my victims Alone, I will kill France, the present is dead Long live the future... But me, I kill the future and in family I destroy The love of country, courage, honor I am the purveyor of hell, penitentiaries, hospitals Absinthe; say no more, say no more... Who am I finally? I am the instigator of crime I am ruin and sorrow I am shame I am dishonour I am death I am absinthe I am shame I am dishonour I am death I am absinthe Absinthe; say no more, say no more...