Want to make learning French super fun? Try singing! French Canadian children’s songs are a fun and easy way to learn the language.
These songs are filled with catchy tunes, simple words, and silly stories that help kids learn new vocabulary without even trying.
Even if you’re clapping along to animals, numbers, or daily routines, these songs turn boring lessons into fun games.
They also teach about Canadian culture and help kids feel more confident speaking French. So get ready to sing, laugh, and learn because learning French has never sounded this awesome!
About the Song
Alouette is a fun French‑Canadian song about gently singing as you name and pluck feathers from different parts of a bird.
Its catchy, repeating chorus and verses teach body‑part names in French. Kids love echoing each line, touching their head, back, and more, making language learning playful and clear.
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Release Date | First printed in 1879 in the McGill College Song Book, Montreal |
Writer | Traditional |
Alouette French Lyrics Traditional
Paroles de “Alouette”
Refrain
Alouette, gentille alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Couplet 1
Je te plumerai la tête
Je te plumerai la tête
Et la tête, et la tête
Alouette, Alouette
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Refrain
Alouette, gentille alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Couplet 2
Je te plumerai le bec
Jе te plumerai le bеc
Et le bec, et le bec
Et la tête, et la tête
Alouette, Alouette
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Refrain
Alouette, gentille alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Couplet 3
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
Refrain
Alouette, gentille alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Couplet 4
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
Refrain
Alouette, gentille alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Couplet 5
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
Refrain
Alouette, gentille alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Couplet 6
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
Refrain
Alouette, gentille alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Couplet 7
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 Lyrics English Translation
Little skylark, lovely little skylark,
Little skylark, I’ll pluck your feathers off.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your head,
I’ll pluck the feathers off your head,
Off your head!
Off your head!
Little lark!
Little lark!
O-o-o-oh
Little skylark, lovely little skylark,
Little skylark, I’ll pluck your feathers off.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your beak.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your beak.
Off your beak!
Off your beak!
Off your head!
Off your head!
Little lark!
Little lark!
O-o-o-oh
Little skylark, lovely little skylark,
Little skylark, I’ll pluck your feathers off.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your eyes.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your eyes.
Off your eyes!
Off your eyes!
Off your beak!
Off your beak!
Off your head!
Off your head!
Little lark!
Little lark!
O-o-o-oh
Little skylark, lovely little skylark,
Little skylark, I’ll pluck your feathers off.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your neck.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your neck.
Off your neck!
Off your neck!
Off your eyes!
Off your eyes!
Off your beak!
Off your beak!
Off your head!
Off your head!
Little lark!
Little lark!
O-o-o-oh
Little skylark, lovely little skylark,
Little skylark, I’ll pluck your feathers off.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your wings.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your wings.
Off your wings!
Off your wings!
Off your neck!
Off your neck!
Off your eyes!
Off your eyes!
Off your beak!
Off your beak!
Off your head!
Off your head!
Little lark!
Little lark!
O-o-o-oh
Little skylark, lovely little skylark,
Little skylark, I’ll pluck your feathers off.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your legs.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your legs.
Off your legs!
Off your legs!
Off your wings!
Off your wings!
Off your neck!
Off your neck!
Off your eyes!
Off your eyes!
Off your beak!
Off your beak!
Off your head!
Off your head!
Little lark!
Little lark!
O-o-o-oh
Little skylark, lovely little skylark,
Little skylark, I’ll pluck your feathers off.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your tail.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your tail.
Off your tail!
Off your tail!
Off your legs!
Off your legs!
Off your wings!
Off your wings!
Off your neck!
Off your neck!
Off your eyes!
Off your eyes!
Off your beak!
Off your beak!
Off your head!
Off your head!
Little lark!
Little lark!
O-o-o-oh
Little skylark, lovely little skylark,
Little skylark, I’ll pluck your feathers off.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your back.
I’ll pluck the feathers off your back.
Off your back!
Off your back!
Off your tail!
Off your tail!
Off your legs!
Off your legs!
Off your wings!
Off your wings!
Off your neck!
Off your neck!
Off your eyes!
Off your eyes!
Off your beak!
Off your beak!
Off your head!
Off your head!
Little lark!
Little lark!
O-o-o-oh
Little skylark, lovely little skylark,
Little skylark, I’ll pluck your feathers off.
Meaning and Breakdown of Alouette
While the lyrics describe plucking feathers, Alouette is not a violent song. It’s a humorous, exaggerated folk tune used to teach language.
Each added body part reinforces vocabulary. The playful tone and repetitive structure help children retain French words.
The song’s educational value lies in its rhythm and sequence. It teaches listeners about anatomy in a light-hearted, engaging way.
Folk songs like this often use vivid imagery to entertain and teach, rather than reflect literal actions or meanings.
Cultural Significance of Alouette
Alouette is more than a children’s song; it’s a cultural touchstone in French-Canadian communities and a staple in language learning worldwide.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Heritage | French-Canadian, especially Quebec |
Education | Used in bilingual school programs |
Language Introduction | First French song for many kids |
Community Use | Sung at camps and events |
Learning Style | Repetitive and easy to follow |
Cultural Symbol | Represents pride and tradition |
Historical Background
The song Alouette likely originated in 19th-century French Canada. It was sung by voyageurs, fur traders traveling by canoe, who used music to boost morale. Songs helped them pass the time and coordinate rowing.
Alouette’s catchy, repetitive structure made it ideal for group singing. Although its exact origin remains unknown, it has been passed down through oral tradition.
Over time, the verses expanded, reflecting folk customs. Today, it connects modern listeners to the rhythms and language of early French-speaking Canadians.
Similar Songs Like Alouette
Here are four enjoyable and beginner-friendly French-Canadian songs that are perfect for kids and language learners alike:
- Are You Sleeping: This playful round song tells the story of a dozing monk and is ideal for helping kids learn repetition and basic phrases in French.
- A Green Mouse: Here’s a quirky little tune about a green mouse hiding and being found—it’s great for introducing colors and actions.
- By the Clear Fountain: Gentle and melodic, this traditional song tells of nature and a bird, ideal for calming moments and simple vocabulary.
- The Cook: Full of rhythm and charm, this upbeat tune by Mary Bolduc brings household chores to life with catchy, everyday French terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Alouette Often Used in Language Classes?
Because its repetition and simple vocabulary make it easy for beginners to remember French words, especially those related to the body.
How does Alouette Reflect French-Canadian Folk Culture?
It showcases oral storytelling, group singing, and humor characteristic of traditional French-Canadian life.
Is there an Animated Version of Alouette Available Online?
Yes, several child-friendly animated videos of Alouette can be found on YouTube and educational platforms.
What Makes Alouette Popular Across Different Age Groups?
Its catchy tune, simple structure, and cultural familiarity make it fun for both children and adults.
Can Alouette Help with French Pronunciation Practice?
Yes, the repeated lines offer excellent practice for pronunciation, particularly in terms of vowels and rhythm.