Jeunes fillettes, profitez du temps!
La violette se cueille au printemps.

Cette fleurette passe en  peu de temps;
Toute amourette passe également.

Dans le bel âge prenez un ami.
S'il est volage, rendez le lui!
    

Young little girls,
(Waste not your time // seize the moment)
the violet is picked in spring
(Tra la la la la)
(la ri lon lan la)
(Tra la la la la)
(la ri lon lan la)
 
This little flower stays but a short while,
as does infatuation.
 
Young little girls,
(Waste not your time // seize the moment)
the violet is picked in spring
(Tra la la la la)
(la ri lon lan la)
(Tra la la la la)
(la ri lon lan la)
 
At this ripe age,
take up a friend,
If he is fickle,
return to him the favor.
 
Young little girls,
(Waste not your time // seize the moment)
the violet is picked in spring
(Tra la la la la)
(la ri lon lan la)
(Tra la la la la)
(la ri lon lan la)