LO, THE HEAVENLY BABE IS BORN

There are singable translations but this one is literal. I've tried to use English words that are as close to the French ones as possible, even if it's not the most satisfying translation.... Always a hard choice.

Back in my high school days I dreamed of majoring in languages but couldn't picture a career as an academic and didn't think there were too many jobs available as translators. I find I do love trying my hand at translations! Bless the Mudcat for providing an outlet for so many of my otherwise useless hidden talents...

Hope these posts add a bit to your enjoyment, Parson.

CHORUS:
He is born, the divine child, (divine infant)
Play the oboes, sound the flutes!
He is born, the divine child,
Let us all sing (to celebrate) his arrival.

1
Depuis plus de quatre mille ans
Nous le promettaient les prophètes,
Depuis plus de quatre mille ans
Nous attendions cet heureux temps.

For more than four thousand years
The prophets have been promising --
For more than four thousand years
We have been awaiting this happy time.

2
Ah! qu'il est beau, qu'il est charmant,
Ah! que ses grâces sont parfaites,
Ah! qu'il est beau, qu'il est charmant,
Qu'il est doux, ce divin enfant.

Ah! but he is beautiful, he is charming,
Ah! but his graces are perfect,
Ah he is beautiful, he is charming,
He is so sweet, this divine infant!

3
Une étable est son logement,
Un peu de paille est sa couchette,
Une étable est son logement,
Pour un Dieu quel abaissement!

A stable is his lodging,
A bit of straw is his crib,
A stable is his lodging,
For a God what an abasement (how demeaning it is)!

4
O Jésus, ô roi tout puissant,
Tout petit enfant que vous êtes,
O Jésus, ô roi tout puissant,
Régnez sur nous entièrement.

O Jesus, O all powerful king,
Tiny infant that you are,
Oh Jesus, O all powerful king,
Reign over us completely (entirely.)