Une souris verte is a traditional French song with lyrics dating from the 18th century (and maybe from the 17th century).
The story of the song
The origins of this song are unclear. There are thus several more or less plausible interpretations to explain who the famous green mouse is.
A Vendéen soldier?
The 'green mouse' could refer to a Vendéen soldier. The green echoes the green colour of the cavalry. Hunted by republican soldiers during the Vendée war (French Revolution, 1793-1796), he was tortured to death (the oil and water would refer to the torments of boiling oil and drowning).
Vendée War. Painting by Paul-Émile Boutigny
However, it would seem that no specialist book has cited Une Souris verte among the many songs generated by the French Revolution.
A witch?
The song could also refer to the witch-hunt that was conducted at the stake.
The mouse would be a woman, accused of witchcraft and trying to escape her executioners.
She would then be found guilty ("Je la montre à ces messieurs"/ I show it to the gentlemen) and smeared with oil and water before being burned at the stake.
Today, the song has been expanded with many verses, some of which are very contemporary. You can let your imagination run wild and create your own!
Une souris verte
Lyrics, music, free download... let's learn more about the popular song:
The lyrics in French
There are many variations of the song Une souris verte.
Part 1
Une souris verte
Qui courait dans l'herbe
Je l'attrape par la queue
Je la montre à ces messieurs
Ces messieurs me disent
Trempez-la dans l'huile
Trempez-la dans l'eau
Ça fera un escargot
Tout chaud
Part 2
Je la mets dans mon chapeau
Elle me dit qu’il fait trop chaud
Je la mets dans ma chemise
Elle me fait trois petites bises
Je la mets dans mon tiroir
Elle me dit qu’il fait trop noir
Je la mets dans la casserole
Elle danse le rock’n’roll
Je la mets dans ma chaussure
Elle me dit ça pue trop dur
Je la mets sur ma moto
Elle écoute la radio
Je la mets dans ma culotte
Elle me fait trois petites crottes
Je la mets dans ma p’tite main
Elle me fait un gros câlin
Translation of the lyrics into English
Here is an approximative translation into English:
Part 1
A green mouse
Running through the grass
I grab it by the tail
I show it to these gentlemen
These gentlemen say to me
Soak it in oil
Soak it in water
It will make a snail
All warmed up
Part 2
I put it in my hat
She tells me it's too hot
I put it in my shirt
She gives me three little kisses
I put her in my drawer
She tells me it's too dark
I put her in the pan
She dances rock'n'roll
I put her in my shoe
She says it stinks too bad
I put her on my bike
She listens to the radio
I put her in my panties
She gives me three little poops
I put her in my little hand
She gives me a big hug
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