Chère Élise

Chère Élise tells the story of Eugène who wants to fetch water with a bucket, but it has a hole in it, so he asks Élise for advice on how to fix it.

The story of the song

This song about an endless dialogue originated in Germany in 1700.

Imagine yourself at a country party at the Belle Époque era (beginning of the 20th century). Eugène and Élise are sitting peacefully by the lake. But they need water! So Eugène, being the gallant man that he is, pitches in.

But there are a few problems, and Élise has a hard time keeping her cool.

The song should not be confused with "Lettre à Elise" (Für Elise), a musical piece for piano in A minor composed in 1810 by German composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

Chère Élise

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

The lyrics in French

The original song of Chère Élise has 9 verses.

Translation of the lyrics into English

Here is an approximative translation into English:

Verse 1

How do you fetch water?
Dear Elise, dear Elise,
How do you fetch water?
With a bucket, my dear Eugene,
Dear Eugene, with a bucket.

Verse 2

But the bucket, it's pierced,
Dear Elise, dear Elise
But the bucket, it's pierced.
It must be sealed, my dear Eugene,
Dear Eugene, it must be sealed.

Verse 3

With what should it be sealed,
Dear Elise, dear Elise,
With what should it be sealed?
With straw, my dear Eugene,
Dear Eugene, with straw.

Verse 4

But the straw is not cut,
Dear Elise, dear Elise,
But the straw is not cut.
You must cut it, my dear Eugene,
Dear Eugene, you must cut it.

Verse 5

What should it be cut with?
Dear Elise, dear Elise,
What should it be cut with?
With a scythe, my dear Eugene,
Dear Eugene, with a scythe.

Verse 6

But the scythe isn't sharpened,
Dear Elise, dear Elise,
But the scythe isn't sharpened.
You must sharpen it, dear Eugene,
Dear Eugene, you must sharpen it.

Verse 7

With what should it be sharpened?
Dear Elise, dear Elise,
With what should it be sharpened?
With a stone, my dear Eugene,
Dear Eugene, with a stone.

Verse 8

But the stone is not wet,

Dear Elise, dear Elise,
But the stone is not wet.
You must get it wet, my dear Eugene,
Dear Eugene, you must get it wet.

Verse 9

What should you wet it with?
Dear Elise, dear Elise,
What should you wet it with?
With water, my dear Eugene,
Dear Eugene, with water!