La Ziguezon

The song 'La Ziguezon' by La Bottine Souriante, a group known for their vibrant blend of Quebecois folk music, traditional French songs, and a touch of jazz and rock, is a playful and rhythmic piece that tells a story through its lyrics and traditional refrains. The song's title, 'La Ziguezon,' is a nonsensical phrase, often used in French-Canadian folk music as a fun, catchy element that adds to the song's rhythm and jovial mood.

The lyrics describe a scene where someone goes to a fountain to fish, but the fountain is so deep that they end up sinking to the bottom. This could be a metaphor for diving into a situation without fully understanding the depth or consequences. The mention of 'trois cavaliers barons' (three baron cavaliers) passing by and the dialogue between the singer and a 'belle' (beautiful woman) suggests a playful interaction, possibly a flirtation or a test of intentions. The woman's response, 'Tirez, tirez dit-elle / Après ça nous verrons' ('Pull, pull she says / After that we will see'), implies a sense of caution or the desire to see actions before making promises or commitments.

The song concludes with the woman composing a song by the window, declaring that her heart is not for a baron but for a 'homme de guerre' (man of war) with 'du pouel' au menton' (feathers on his chin), which could be a metaphor for a man with experience or maturity. The repeated phrases and the playful 'Pis la bottine - tine - tine / Pis le rigolet ha! ha!' along with the mention of a rusty little key, add to the song's whimsical and light-hearted nature, leaving listeners with a sense of joy and festivity.