Promenons-nous dans les bois
Chansons et comptines Lyrics


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Promenons-nous dans les bois
Pendant que le loup n'y est pas
Si le loup y était
Il nous mangerait
Si le loup y est pas
Il nous mangera pas

Loup y es-tu? entends-tu? que fais-tu?

Je mets ma chemise

Promenons-nous dans les bois
Pendant que le loup n'y est pas
Si le loup y était
Il nous mangerait
Si le loup y est pas
Il nous mangera pas

Loup y es-tu? entends-tu? que fais-tu?
Je mets mes chaussettes

Promenons-nous dans les bois
Pendant que le loup n'y est pas
Si le loup y était
Il nous mangerait
Si le loup y est pas




Il nous mangera pas
Et voilà

Overall Meaning

"Promenons-nous dans les bois" is a popular French nursery rhyme that has been around for over two centuries. The song is usually sung by children while walking through the woods or as a fun game with actions. The lyrics depict a group of people taking a walk in the woods while being cautious of the wolf. The first verse emphasizes the importance of walking in the woods while the wolf is away, otherwise, he would eat them. The second verse asks the wolf if he is around, and the wolf responds by saying that he is putting on his clothes - first his shirt, then his socks. The third verse repeats the first verse with a slight variation before ending the song.


This song can be interpreted as a cautionary tale for children warning them to be careful and stay away from dangerous animals like wolves. The wolf symbolizes danger and the innocent people in the woods need to be alert, hiding or running away when a threat arises. The wolf represents a fear that needs to be avoided or faced with caution. The lyrics also teach children how to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.


Line by Line Meaning

Promenons-nous dans les bois
Let's take a walk in the woods


Pendant que le loup n'y est pas
While the wolf is not there


Si le loup y était
If the wolf were there


Il nous mangerait
He would eat us


Si le loup y est pas
If the wolf is not there


Il nous mangera pas
He will not eat us


Loup y es-tu? entends-tu? que fais-tu?
Wolf, are you there? Do you hear us? What are you doing?


Je mets ma chemise
I am putting on my shirt


Je mets mes chaussettes
I am putting on my socks


Et voilà
And there it is




Writer(s): Traditionnel

Contributed by Callie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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