Il était une bergère

“Il était une bergère” is a traditional French children's song performed by Chansons Enfantines. The song tells the story of a shepherdess who is diligently tending to her sheep and making cheese from their milk. The repetitive and playful refrain, “Et ron et ron, petit patapon,” adds a whimsical and rhythmic element to the narrative, making it engaging for children.

The lyrics introduce a mischievous cat who watches the shepherdess with a sly look. The shepherdess warns the cat not to touch the cheese, threatening to hit it with a stick if it does. The cat, instead of using its paw, cheekily places its chin on the cheese, leading to the shepherdess becoming angry and punishing the cat. This interaction highlights themes of mischief, consequences, and the shepherdess's authority and protectiveness over her work.

The song uses simple language and a repetitive structure, which is typical of children's songs, to make it easy to remember and sing along. The narrative also serves as a moral lesson for children, teaching them about respecting others' work and the consequences of disobedience. The cultural context of the song reflects rural life and the pastoral tradition, emphasizing the importance of diligence and care in everyday tasks.

Chansons Enfantines, known for their collection of traditional French nursery rhymes, brings this story to life with a charming and melodic rendition. Their music often aims to preserve cultural heritage while providing educational and entertaining content for young listeners.