A2 · Episode 23 · 3:39

When Biron Wanted to Dance

This classic French song humorously depicts the comical preparations of the nobleman Biron as he gets ready to dance, with repeated refrains and whimsical imagery of wigs, shoes, and costumes.

Source：LE REGARD SONORE · License：CC BY 3.0

Transcript

0:19
Quand Biron voulut danser, Quand Biron voulut danser,
When Biron wanted to dance, when Biron wanted to dance,
0:24
Sa perruque, vite apportée, Sa perruque, vite apportée.
His wig—quickly brought—his wig—quickly brought.
0:28
Sa perruque à la turque, ses souliers tout ronds, danseraient.
His Turkish-style wig and round-toed shoes would dance.
0:35
Béni. Quand Biron voulut danser, quand Biron voulut danser.
Blessed! When Biron wanted to dance, when Biron wanted to dance.
0:43
Son habit fit à portée, son habit fit
His coat was brought within reach; his coat was brought within reach;
0:50
à portée, son habit de petit gris saperlée.
his little gray coat, spangled.
0:51
À la tuer, si soulier tour rond.
To dazzle—to death—if shoes spin round.
1:00
Quand Pierrot fut dansé, quand Pierrot fut.
When Pierrot had danced, when Pierrot had danced.
1:05
Sa veste vite apportée,
His waistcoat—quickly brought—
1:10
sa veste vite apportée, sa belle veste à paillettes.
his waistcoat—quickly brought—his beautiful, sparkling waistcoat.
1:13
de petit gris, sa perruque à la turque.
gray, and his Turkish-style wig.
1:19
Vous danserez, bierau.
You shall dance, Monsieur Bierau!
2:07
Gombiron voulut danser, Gombiron voulut danser, Sa perruque fit à porter,
Gombiron wanted to dance, Gombiron wanted to dance; his wig was brought to wear,
2:14
Sa perruque fit à porter.
his wig was brought to wear.
2:16
Sa perruque à la turque, ses souliers tout ronds.
his Turkish-style wig and round-toed shoes.
2:21
Vous danserez mes héros.
You heroes shall dance!
2:26
Quand Biron voulut danser.
When Biron wanted to dance.
2:32
Son habit fit apporter, son habit fit apporter, son habit.
His coat was sent for; his coat was sent for; his coat.
2:38
Sa perruque à la turque.
His Turkish-style wig.
2:48
Canguiron voulut danser, Canguiron voulut danser, sa veste fit.
Canguiron wanted to dance, Canguiron wanted to dance; his waistcoat was brought,
2:55
Sa veste vite apportée, sa belle veste à paillettes.
his waistcoat—quickly brought—his beautiful, sparkling waistcoat.
3:01
de petit gris, sa perruque à la turc.
gray, and his Turkish-style wig.
3:07
Dans ce rébira.
In this revelry.