Ainsi font font font

Ainsi font font font (also known as Les petites marionnettes) is a traditional French nursery rhyme dating from the 15th century.

The story of the song

This song is sung to babies as they begin to imitate the adult. It is a gesture song: hands in the air, wrists turned one way, then the other.

The children's song was composed by an anonymous person in the 15th century.

What is a 'marionnette'?

A marionnette is a puppet, articulated or not, made of wood, cardboard or any other kind of material (bone, leather or clay), manipulated by one or more people (marionnettistes - puppeteers), traditionally hidden in a castelet.

The puppets are expressive and amusing, while at the same time matching the satirical punch lines. With humour, they caricature contemporary society and also mock the authorities.

What about their names?

The French word 'marionnette' is derived from Marion, a diminutive of Mary, and originally referred to a small figure of the Virgin.

In other European languages, the term is similar to the word "poupée": "puppet" in English and "puppe" in German.

The most famous puppets in the world are the Italian Pinocchio, the French Guignol and the American Muppets!

Ainsi font font font

Lyrics, music, free download... let's learn more about the popular song:

The lyrics in French

The original song of Ainsi font font font has 3 verses.

Translation of the lyrics into English

Here is an approximative translation into English:

Verse 1

Thus do, do, do
The little puppets,
So do, do, do
Three little tricks and then they go away.

Verse 2

Hands at your side,
Puppets jump, jump,
Hands at your sides
Puppets start again.

Verse 3

And they will dance
The little puppets,
And they'll dance
When the children are sleeping.