Qu'as-tu fait John ? [English translation]

In the heart of Louisiana,

John, under a blazing sun,

Worked near the Savannah

In a large cotton field.

He transpired in large droplets.

He is hot, he can do no more

When suddenly, on the road,

A crowd came running

Toward the poor John who trembles,

Margaret lifted a finger.

To the crowd who is gathered,

She said: "He threw himself on me!"

What have you done John? What have you done?

He had thrown himself on a white woman.

What have you done John? What have you done?

He had too much to drink Sunday,

Drunk as a peace-door.

What have you done John? What have you done?

We took John to the village

To the home of the sheriff.

All whites, shouting in rage,

Demanding a hasty judgment.

"He is a bastard: hang him!

To give them a lesson!"

John wriggles under the branch.

A shiver, and then it is finished.

The white men, white women

Are going to sleep in the night.

What have you done John? What have you done?

Must not touch the white women.

What have you done John? What have you done?

You look finished at the end of the branch!

You're hanged and it is done well.

What have you done John? What have you done?

On the sleeping house,

Margaret banged loudly.

The sheriff who wakes up

Asks her: "What do you want?"

"It is me who wanted the Negro",

She says. "I accuse myself.

It is me who loved the Negro,

And then John refused me."

The sheriff is angry:

"Oh! What stories for a black!

Go, you must not do that!

Good evening, Margaret! Good evening!"

What have you done John? What have you done?

To refuse a white woman!

What have you done John? What have you done?

You there hanging from a branch.

A voice answers in the wind:

"It is more happy as before...

John is in heaven...

Where the poor Negroes pray.

John is merry now."

He is the box of good God...