Passe passe passera (La p’tite hirondelle)

Passe passe passera (also known as La P'tite Hirondelle) is a traditional French song whose origin probably dates back to the 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIV.

The story of the song

Today considered a nursery rhyme, La p'tite hirondelle (The little swallow) actually evokes circumstances that are hardly relevant to children. 

The swallow is the name given to the soldiers of the French army of the Ancien Régime because of their uniforms, which resembled the plumage of swallows: black tricorns, royal blue uniforms with white lining, scarlet facings and collars, white jackets and breeches.

Thus, the song does not tell the story of a little bird that helped itself to the wheat reserves of those who sing the song. Instead, it tells of the robberies carried out by soldiers in the countryside and promises these same dishonest soldiers a few strokes of vengeance.

Passe passe passera

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The lyrics in French

The original song of Passe passe passera has 2 verses and a chorus.

Translation of the lyrics into English

Here is an approximative translation into English:

Chorus

Pass, pass, will pass
The last one, the last one,
Pass, pass, will pass
The last one will stay.

Verse 1

What has the little swallow done?
The little swallow?
She stole from us
Three little bags of wheat.

Verse 2

We'll catch up with her
The little swallow,
And we'll give it
Three little strokes of the stick.