L'Homme Que Je Suis

I have never been the man that I am
Even if I just try to be myself
Who really knows the one that I am?
Who hasn't always known how to say I love you

I have never been the man they say
Who doesn't know how to confide
Too often to seek shelter
To hide under appearances
Under silences

I have never been the man they say
Even if I just try to be myself
Despite all the paths I've followed
I haven't always known how to say thank you

I have never been the man that I am
Even if I've taken trains for nothing
That made me cross life
And made me be someone
The man we become

I have never been the man that I am
Even if I've just been myself
Who really knows the one they say
Who hasn't always known how to say I love you

I have never been the man that I am
Thought to be thirsty for conquests
And whose defeat is expected
While he is certain of nothing
A man no more no less

Do they forgive your clumsiness
Do they forgive your mistakes
Do they forgive your youth
Do they forgive your happiness
For having been, for a lifetime, a man
The man that I am

Do they forgive the hurtful words
Do they forgive your grudges
Do they forgive your weakness
Do they forgive you for being afraid
Not to be, for an hour, a man
The man that I am