It Will Be My Day - Charles Aznavour

At eighteen I grew restless for the city

I’d see its lights that beckoned from afar

I packed my dreams, assured I’d be successful

I’d sing my songs, I’d soon become a star

I needed clothes to make the right impression

I bought a suit, the finest tailor-made

Had an act, then designed, with the ladies in mind

Endure the debt I felt would be repaid

I dreamed I would be emblazoned in neon

The biggest, the best, above all the rest, wherever I’d play

I dreamed I would be acknowledged the greatest

The cream of the crop, it’s good at the top, I was there to stay

The loveliest girls would gather around me

With photos to sign, they all would be mine for less than a smile

My curtain would cue, resounding ovations

Their deafening roar would ring out for more, I’d go off in style"

The older that I become, my features are ageing

My voice is still there, my gesture’s precise, my talent would glow

At times I’ve had bitterness, for nothing has happened

I’ve struggled and strived, but never arrived, and I’m still unknown

And yet, yet I believe that my time is coming

If given the breaks, I’ve got what it takes to go all the way

Then under my feet the stage would be pulsing

Finally I’d be there in the spotlights glare, it would be my day

For thirty years it’s been an endless circle

I’ve made the rounds, they always look the same

I sing my songs, but people seldom listen

They never care, for they don’t know my name

To keep alive, I’ve played the third-rate bookings

I have no choice, I take what I can find

Sleazy clubs, little pay, easy girls, sleep all day

But in my dreams, I leave it far behind

I dreamed that I’ll be relating the story

Of how I prevailed when I should have failed, in my quest for fame

I dreamed I would be enjoying my leisure

Taking life in stride, ladies at my side, wild from the game

On opening night, I’ll calmly be reading

The thousands of words from those who admire my standing alone

The stage light would dim, the moment would quicken

My heart in my throat, hearing the first note, I’d be on my own

I tried to find a gimmick, to lift me from darkness

I’ve sung about love, I’ve ???

songs, a stale joke or two

If everything fails and I’m left in the shadows

The fault isn’t mine, I asked for a chance, but nothing came through

I have no one to thank, for no one has offered

To give me a hand, or take any stand, that’s out of their way

But deep in my heart, I know, I know that I have it

And I’ll get my due life and start anew, it will be my day