Alouette Lyrics In French (With English Translation)

Are you looking for Alouette lyrics in French with English translation?

One of the most well-known children’s songs for teaching French is “Alouette,” a classic Canadian folk song. According to legend, this song dates back more than a century and originated in the Canadian province of Quebec.

Even though the song’s background is shrouded in mystery, most people agree that it was likely created in French Canada. This French song was first published in “A Pocket Song Book for the Use of Students and Graduates of McGill College” (Montreal, 1879).

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Even though the first printed copy in France appeared 14 years after the original Canadian (McGill) publication, Canadian folklorist Marius Barbeau believed that the song originated in France.

Alouette Lyrics In French (With English Translation)

“Alouette,” apart from being a children’s song, is also one of those tunes taught in beginner French classes. You can listen to the song here, and see the lyrics below if you want to sing along.

About the song

In the song “Alouette” the lark knows its head, beak, eyes, wings, and tail are all fair game for someone’s plucking fingers. Although cruel, this song was popular among voyageurs and has been passed down through the generations.

This was because French fur traders were active in North America for over three centuries, providing the basis for the Canadian idea.

Along well-established trade routes, items were transported via canoe and exchanged for furs. French fur trade songs were arranged to go together with the rhythm of dipping paddles.

Thus, singing was a welcome distraction and a fun way to lighten the mood on the job. Voyageurs’ songs were thought to have given them the strength to paddle further and for longer.

Horned larks, which the French colonists viewed as game birds, were consumed by the boatmen. Legend has it that these birds inspired the song “Alouette,” which is the French word for a lark.

Meaning of Alouette

It has been said that “Alouette” is the de facto national anthem of French Canada, and “The Canadian Encyclopedia” confirms this.

Not exactly the stuff of innocent daydreams, the song sounds more like a harsh homage to the practice of plucking (plumer) a lark. Still, “Alouette” was a reflection of the era in which the song was written. The song’s rather harsh lyrics endured, as are its irresistibly tender melody.

These days, however, due to restrictions on hunting, these small birds are no longer consumed as food. But you might try the packed beef packages known as alouettes sans tête instead.

Alouette French Lyrics

Alouette, gentille alouette

Alouette, je te plumerai

Je te plumerai la tête

Je te plumerai la tête

Et la tête, et la tête

Alouette, Alouette

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Alouette, gentille alouette

Alouette, je te plumerai

Je te plumerai le bec

Je te plumerai le bec

Et le bec, et le bec

Et la tête, et la tête

Alouette, Alouette

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Alouette, gentille alouette

Alouette, je te plumerai

Je te plumerai le cou

Je te plumerai le cou

Et le cou, et le cou

Et le bec, et le bec

Et la tête, et la tête

Alouette, Alouette

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Alouette, gentille alouette

Alouette, je te plumerai

Je te plumerai les ailes

Je te plumerai les ailes

Et les ailes, et les ailes

Et le cou, et le cou

Et le bec, et le bec

Et la tête, et la tête

Alouette, Alouette

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Alouette, gentille alouette

Alouette, je te plumerai

Je te plumerai le dos

Je te plumerai le dos

Et le dos, et le dos

Et les ailes, et les ailes

Et le cou, et le cou

Et le bec, et le bec

Et la tête, et la tête

Alouette, Alouette

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Alouette, gentille alouette

Alouette, je te plumerai

Je te plumerai les pattes

Je te plumerai les pattes

Et les pattes, et les pattes

Et le dos, et le dos

Et les ailes, et les ailes

Et le cou, et le cou

Et le bec, et le bec

Et la tête, et la tête

Alouette, Alouette

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Alouette, gentille alouette

Alouette, je te plumerai

Je te plumerai la queue

Je te plumerai la queue

Et la queue, et la queue

Et les pattes, et les pattes

Et le dos, et le dos

Et les ailes, et les ailes

Et le cou, et le cou

Et le bec, et le bec

Et la tête, et la tête

Alouette, Alouette

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Alouette English Lyrics and Translation

Alouette, gentille Alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Je te plumerai la tête (repeat)
Et la tête (repeat)
Alouette (repeat)

Lark, nice lark
Lark, I will pluck you
I will pluck your head
And your head
Lark!

O-o-o-oh

O-o-o-oh

Lark, nice lark
Lark, I will pluck you
I will pluck your beak

And the beak
and the head
Lark!

And the neck
And the back
And the wings
And the legs
And the tail

Lark, nice lark
Lark, I will pluck you