[Intro: Solo fiddle, then accordion joins on the second phrase] [Verse 1] Hold me slow, mon cher, the band is playing low, Hold me slow, mon cher, while the band is playing low — We've got nothing but this waltz and a little ways to go. [Verse 2] The water's off the rice field, but the mud is on the floor, Yes, the water's off the rice field, but the mud's still on the floor — So we'll dance out on the gallery like we danced in days before. [Chorus: Trio harmony, gentle] Quand les haricots seront salés — When the beans are salted, we'll have a feast someday; Till then, mon cher, we'll waltz the hard times away. [Instrumental Break: Fiddle] [Verse 3] I'll salt the beans with sweat, I'll salt them with my tears, I'll salt the beans with sweat, Lord, I'll salt them with my tears — And I'll salt them with your kisses, if it takes a hundred years. [Instrumental: Button Accordion, soft bellows shake] [Verse 4: Breakdown, fiddle drone and rubboard only] Mama's ring is in the pawnshop, but her waltz is in my hands, Mama's ring is in the pawnshop, but her old waltz is in my hands — And no river ever drowned a song a poor heart understands. [Chorus: Full band, trio harmony] Quand les haricots seront salés — When the beans are salted, we'll have a feast someday; Till then, mon cher, we'll waltz the hard times away. [Outro: Tag, repeat last line three times, slowing] Till then, mon cher, we'll waltz the hard times away, Till then, mon cher, we'll waltz the hard times away, Till then, mon cher... we'll waltz the hard times away. [Fiddle and accordion hold the final D chord] [End]
