Balafres translates to "scars" or "gashes". It's a vivid and somewhat dramatic word that paints a strong image, especially in the context of pirates.
In the song, it describes Chico, the pirate chief, as being "couvert de balafres et de coups d'couteaux" (covered in scars and knife wounds). This word immediately conjures up the rough and dangerous life of a pirate, making it memorable and enticing for a learner.
Get ready for a classic pirate adventure! Gérard Delahaye's song "Voilà Les Pirates" paints a vivid picture of fearsome pirates sailing into port. With their black flags and skulls (pavillons noirs et têtes de morts), they are described as cruel and mean, loving a good fight and operating by the motto, "First we kill, then we talk" (D'abord on tue, après on parle). Their leader, Chico, is a tough-looking character with an eyepatch and scars, and the whole crew cheers when a prisoner falls overboard.
But the story takes a surprising turn. A twelve-year-old boy, tired of being seen as a child, tells his parents he wants to run away to sea with the pirates. He isn't scared of them; he's filled with a desire for adventure and wants to see if the ocean has the same color in other parts of the world. The song ends on a dark note, revealing the tragic outcome of the boy's romantic dream: his mother never saw him again, except for a photo in a magazine on the day he was hanged.