L'opportuniste Lyrics in English Jacques Dutronc , Nicola Sirkis

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Below, I translated the lyrics of the song L'opportuniste by Jacques Dutronc from French to English.

These lyrics have verified word for word translations. Click any lyric word to see the translation and hear the pronunciation!

I'm for communism

I'm for socialism

And for capitalism

Because I'm an opportunist

Some people object

Who demand and who protest

I make only one move

I turn my coat, I turn my coat

But always on the right side

I'm not scared of profiteers

Or even agitators

I trust the voters

And I use it to butter my bread

Some people object

Who demand and who protest

I make only one move

I turn my coat, I turn my coat

Always on the right side

I'm in every party

I'm of every country

I'm in every clique

I'm the king of converts

Some people object

Who demand and who protest

I make only one move

I turn my coat, I turn my coat

Always on the right side

I shout long live the revolution

I shout long live the institutions

I shout long live the demonstrations

I shout long live collaboration

Never do I object

Or demand or protest

I make only one move

Except turning my coat

But always on the right side

I've turned it so much

It's ripping on all sides

At the next revolution

I'll turn my pants

Some people object

Who demand and who protest

I make only one move

I'll turn my coat

Always on the right side

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SONG MEANING

Meet the ultimate political chameleon! In “L’opportuniste,” French icon Jacques Dutronc (joined here by Nicola Sirkis) slips into the skin of a smooth-talking opportunist who claims to love every ideology—communism, socialism, capitalism—just as long as it keeps him on the winning side. Each time the wind changes, he proudly “retourne sa veste” (turns his jacket), flaunting his talent for switching allegiances faster than you can say vive la révolution.

Beneath its playful groove, the song is a witty satire of politicians and everyday people who shout whatever slogans are fashionable, profit from every wave of public opinion, and never take real risks. The repeated image of a jacket turned so often it begins to tear is Dutronc’s cheeky warning: endless flip-flopping may pay off today, but sooner or later the seams will split. Energetic, ironic, and irresistibly catchy, “L’opportuniste” invites listeners to laugh, dance, and maybe think twice about those who are always on the “good” side.

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Jacques Dutronc L'opportuniste Lyrics