It was the time when Brussels could sing
It was the time of the silent movies
It was the time when Brussels was king
It was the time when Brussels brustled
Pick out a hat so dashing and gay
Go take a walk, it's a beautiful day
Put on your spats and your high-buttoned shoes
Get on the tram, get the gossip and news
Not a time for crying
How the heart was flying
There was my grandfather
There was my grandmother
He was a young soldier
And she was so much bolder
He had no brains, neither did she
How bright could I turn out to be
Oh, it was the time when Brussels could sing
It was the time of the silent movies
It was the time when Brussels was king
It was the time when Brussels brustled
Pick out a dress so dashing and gay
Go out and dance, it's a beautiful day
Dance on your spats and your high-buttoned shoes
Dance on the tram, get the gossip and news
Not a time for crying
How the heart was flying
There was my grandfather
There was my grandmother
He knew how to do it
And she let him do it
They lived in sin - deliciously
Now they pray for my virginity
Oh, it was the time when Brussels could sing
It was the time of the silent movies
It was the time when Brussels was king
It was the time when Brussels brustled
Sing out a song so dashing and gay
Walk hand-in-hand, it's a beautiful day
Put on your spats and your high-buttoned shoes
Get on the tram, get the gossip and news
Not a time for crying
How the heart was flying
There was my grandfather
There was my grandmother
Ten million guns got loaded
World War I exploded
It was such fun - oh, what a game
They saved the world but I bring it shame
Oh, it was the time when Brussels could sing
It was the time of the silent movies
It was the time when Brussels was king
It was the time when
It was the time when
Oh, it was the time when Brussels could sing
It was the time of the silent movies
It was the time when Brussels was king
It was the time when Bru...
Original French lyrics by Jacques Brel
Original music by Jacques Brel and Gérard Jouannest
English lyrics and arrangements by Mort Shuman, Wolfgang Knittel and Eric Blau ©