Thank you sooo much. Childhood song and I thought they did such a great cover/remix of that one. Had to google it to figure out the name and your site popped up. Thanx!!!
I know that Target is going into Canada. Do they think all Canadians speak French (which they don't). Is that why they are using Alouette as a theme song?
No, I don't think that is why that song was used. A lot of Americans (not all) have an ideal about Paris in Spring and being that it is an advertisement for spring time, the song seemed fitting. Also, it's a fun song, whimsical and fits the comercial. Simple as that. I could be wrong, just my thought, though.
But, I don't understand why Target has that song, because if you translate the song, its talking about killing a Lark by plucking its feathers, head, legs, etc.
If you live in Quebec...you probably speak French. My nephew lived there 2 years in high school...transferred there from California to play HS hockey. He had to learn French...that's what they speak. I was hoping someone had the words in English to the song. I speak broken French...and couldn't get it to make sense.
Target is NOT a French company, it is an American company - stemming from the Dayton Hudson Corporation based in Minnesota. Some people poke fun at it by calling it "Tarjey" jokingly giving it a european flair - not because it's french!
What is Target trying to say, that we are all Larks, a dumb bird and they are going to pluck our money and break our wings? I don't understand why Target has that song, because if you translate the song, its talking about killing a Lark by plucking its feathers, head, legs, etc.
….A gang of androgenous rainbow clad Pee-Wee Herman followers suddenly drop out of the sky and invade home, workplace, & city. All while a song about plucking defenseless birds ’til bald plays in the background. I’m not sure, but I think I should feel afraid.
rotfl. I must agree with you. Is the song saying that Target is going to pluck us or rather fleece us? What crazy ad company decided that U.S Citizens would identify with this commercial and find it pleasing? I have no wish to visit France nor having them descend upon me. Whats up with the French?
Target is an American company - NOT French, based in Minneapolis. Besides, when have the French ever come up with something clever? They're not that smart.
I'm not from Canada. I am a true southerner from the USA and I LOVE THAT TARGET COMMERCIAL. I don't care if the song is about plucking defenseless birds bald. They are not actually plucking birds they are singing and that commercial is so lively and just plan fun. I love it. I am an animal lover too by the way. I do not in anyway think that cruelty to animals is acceptable but this is just a song and the commercial is fun to watch.
Ok think about this, Target is sometimes called by its Americanized French pronounciation " Targe" so why not use a French song that is upbeat, happy sounding and that many people have heard before, probably in grade school. Combine this with Parkour ( loosely Urban acrobats ) originally from France and you have a VERY clever commercial ! No one really got it, but thats wasnt the point anyway :)
Alouette, gentille Alouette Lark, nice lark Alouette, je te plumerai Lark, I shall pluck you Je te plumerai la tête I shall pluck your head (Je te plumerai la tête) (I shall pluck your head) Et la tête And your head (Et la tête) (And your head) Alouette Lark (Alouette) (Lark) O-o-o-oh Alouette, gentille Alouette Alouette, je te plumerai Je te plumerai le bec I shall pluck your beak (Je te plumerai le bec) Et le bec (Et le bec) Et la tête (Et la tête) Alouette (Alouette) O-o-o-oh The song continues in this fashion, with the italicized phrase (a part of the bird) in each verse being substituted with a new one, with the previous items being recited at the end:
Et le cou And your neck Et le dos And your back Et les ailes And your wings Et les pattes And your feet Et la queue And your tail La Conclusion The Ending O-o-o-o-oh
OK people, stop over analyzing why Target used Alouette for this ad. The fact is, few Americans know or care what the lyrics are. And, I am sure they have nothing to do with the intended message of the commercial. The Delta Rhythm Boys rendition of Alouette is simply an energetic version of a familiar tune and it is fun to listen to.
I'm in my sixties and I remember that song when I was a girl. Never knew the words, but when I saw the commercial, I thought it was lively and fun. Brings back the days when I was younger. Great colorful commercial. Good to see the words to the song. HOORAY FOR TARGET!!!
Thank you so much for the translation! I agree with previous comments that this is just a lively, fun commercial that I enjoy every time I see and hear it...
while i grew up i America singing this song, this commercial appears to be another bastardization and rendition meant to use a cultural song to accumulate wealth. the video in the video has no correspondence to the lyrics.
I also learned the song as a child and I turn my tv up every time the commercial airs. My neighbors get a kick out of hearing me sing in French and yell GO TARGET.
Love the song, childhood memories ~~~haven't you ever heard of french-canadian?? "Alouette" is a popular French Canadian song. So many of our appliance directions are printed in english and french because they are also sold in Canada. Quebec
My grandmother was from Canada and didn't speak English until she moved to the States. She used to sing that song to me when I was little, I forgot about it until I heard it on the Target commercial- brought me back to some fun memories of her.
Growing up in Ontario, Canada (an English speaking province) we had to learn French and sing that morbid song as little children. Never was quite sure what it meant; probably good that our teachers didn't tell us, or we'd all still be in therapy.
I am cajun, my Great grandparents came from french canada and i remember my french-speaking grandma singing this to me as a child. Thanks for posting what it's actually about lol
I remember watching the Tom n Jerry cartoon back in the late 70's, early 80's, n Jerry's lil friend was singing it! :-)And saying "Bonjour Monsieur Pussy Cat!" lol..Just watched it on youtube..SO KOOL!
Yes, I believe you are in the minority. Whatever ad agency developed this commercial certainly has a winner, judging by all of the positive comments. I get a lift every time I hear it.
Love the commercial, the energy, the colors, the hot air balloon, sang the song as a child but only recalled singing the first two lines, would assume as another suggested the song was used to teach children bird body parts, studied French years ago, was excited to find the English translation,thanks for pleasant childhood memories Target.
I really think the whole commercial is symbolic of plucking the "uncolorful" and making it colorful..the lark is noted for waking people up! Waking them up with color! I liked it! Creative and the tune is familiar with a lot of people! BTW, Target is a French company last I knew...but they do many philanthropic contributions for the US...plus they provide jobs and insurance with the job.
As others have stated, I too do not like the commercial. I actually find it offensive. I have also emailed Target and told them my viewpoint. I also stated to them that until the commercial is pulled they will not see another dime of my money. It may not mean a whole lot to their bottom line, but if enough people would do this, they might get the message.
I did some research this morning and found several other songs that would have worked well in their commercial. These are my top three picks: Dancin' in the Street, Good Vibrations, Do you Believe in Magic (although Macy*s used/uses "magic" in their advertising). Anyways, I believe that part of the reason Target may have used Alouette, as opposed to another song, is that Alouette is no longer a copyright protected song, hence Target is out no money for the right to use it. Who knows what royalties they would have had to pay for a much better song. This of course is just my two cents.
Thank you sooo much. Childhood song and I thought they did such a great cover/remix of that one. Had to google it to figure out the name and your site popped up. Thanx!!!
ReplyDeleteI know that Target is going into Canada. Do they think all Canadians speak French (which they don't). Is that why they are using Alouette as a theme song?
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't think that is why that song was used. A lot of Americans (not all) have an ideal about Paris in Spring and being that it is an advertisement for spring time, the song seemed fitting. Also, it's a fun song, whimsical and fits the comercial. Simple as that. I could be wrong, just my thought, though.
DeleteBut, I don't understand why Target has that song, because if you translate the song, its talking about killing a Lark by plucking its feathers, head, legs, etc.
DeleteCanadians do speak french. Pull your head out of your bottom and read a book or go visit. My family comes from canada and all speak french.
DeleteNo they don't stupid!!!
DeleteCertain Canadians in certain areas of Canada do speak french. Not all do, but enough of them to make French a national language with English.
DeleteStop fighting
Deletesong is about a bird called a lark and plucking it's bill and feathers and neck and back. it's stupid.
DeleteTarget is a French company
DeleteIf you live in Quebec...you probably speak French. My nephew lived there 2 years in high school...transferred there from California to play HS hockey. He had to learn French...that's what they speak. I was hoping someone had the words in English to the song. I speak broken French...and couldn't get it to make sense.
DeleteTarget is NOT a French company, it is an American company - stemming from the Dayton Hudson Corporation based in Minnesota. Some people poke fun at it by calling it "Tarjey" jokingly giving it a european flair - not because it's french!
DeleteI love it too! Who cares what it's about, it's fun, childish and very colorful commerical. Good job Target
Delete(Tar zchay). LOL
What is Target trying to say, that we are all Larks, a dumb bird and they are going to pluck our money and break our wings? I don't understand why Target has that song, because if you translate the song, its talking about killing a Lark by plucking its feathers, head, legs, etc.
DeleteThank you, Shazam did not know what the song was!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this! Love this song and can't get it out of my head.
ReplyDeleteI think the line they are featuring for Spring has a French theme.
ReplyDelete….A gang of androgenous rainbow clad Pee-Wee Herman followers suddenly drop out of the sky and invade home, workplace, & city. All while a song about plucking defenseless birds ’til bald plays in the background. I’m not sure, but I think I should feel afraid.
ReplyDeleteLmao I second that motion
Deleterotfl. I must agree with you. Is the song saying that Target is going to pluck us or rather fleece us? What crazy ad company decided that U.S Citizens would identify with this commercial and find it pleasing? I have no wish to visit France nor having them descend upon me. Whats up with the French?
DeleteTarget is an American company - NOT French, based in Minneapolis. Besides, when have the French ever come up with something clever? They're not that smart.
Deletehehehehe!
Deletewhat is really the hidden meaning behind the french song?
ReplyDeleteI'm not from Canada. I am a true southerner from the USA and I LOVE THAT TARGET COMMERCIAL. I don't care if the song is about plucking defenseless birds bald. They are not actually plucking birds they are singing and that commercial is so lively and just plan fun. I love it. I am an animal lover too by the way. I do not in anyway think that cruelty to animals is acceptable but this is just a song and the commercial is fun to watch.
ReplyDeletei agree with you
DeleteI totally agree. I myself being a southerner of the US I love the song and the commercial.
DeleteOk think about this, Target is sometimes called by its Americanized French pronounciation " Targe" so why not use a French song that is upbeat, happy sounding and that many people have heard before, probably in grade school. Combine this with Parkour ( loosely Urban acrobats ) originally from France and you have a VERY clever commercial ! No one really got it, but thats wasnt the point anyway :)
ReplyDeleteCan someone translate in English? Love the song
ReplyDeleteAlouette, gentille Alouette
DeleteLark, nice lark
Alouette, je te plumerai
Lark, I shall pluck you
Je te plumerai la tête
I shall pluck your head
(Je te plumerai la tête)
(I shall pluck your head)
Et la tête
And your head
(Et la tête)
(And your head)
Alouette
Lark
(Alouette)
(Lark)
O-o-o-oh
Alouette, gentille Alouette
Alouette, je te plumerai
Je te plumerai le bec
I shall pluck your beak
(Je te plumerai le bec)
Et le bec
(Et le bec)
Et la tête
(Et la tête)
Alouette
(Alouette)
O-o-o-oh
The song continues in this fashion, with the italicized phrase (a part of the bird) in each verse being substituted with a new one, with the previous items being recited at the end:
Et le cou
And your neck
Et le dos
And your back
Et les ailes
And your wings
Et les pattes
And your feet
Et la queue
And your tail
La Conclusion
The Ending
O-o-o-o-oh
ok so it sounds like a terrible song ( like a lot of our english fairy tales and songs) but it teaches children body parts
DeleteOK people, stop over analyzing why Target used Alouette for this ad. The fact is, few Americans know or care what the lyrics are. And, I am sure they have nothing to do with the intended message of the commercial. The Delta Rhythm Boys rendition of Alouette is simply an energetic version of a familiar tune and it is fun to listen to.
DeleteI'm in my sixties and I remember that song when I was a girl. Never knew the words, but when I saw the commercial, I thought it was lively and fun. Brings back the days when I was younger. Great colorful commercial. Good to see the words to the song. HOORAY FOR TARGET!!!
DeleteThank you so much for the translation! I agree with previous comments that this is just a lively, fun commercial that I enjoy every time I see and hear it...
Deletewhile i grew up i America singing this song, this commercial appears to be another bastardization and rendition meant to use a cultural song to accumulate wealth. the video in the video has no correspondence to the lyrics.
ReplyDeleteI also learned the song as a child and I turn my tv up every time the commercial airs. My neighbors get a kick out of hearing me sing in French and yell GO TARGET.
DeleteThis commercial is horribly annoying and you sound like a horribly annoying and juvenile person.
DeleteLove the song, childhood memories ~~~haven't you ever heard of french-canadian?? "Alouette" is a popular French Canadian song. So many of our appliance directions are printed in english and french because they are also sold in Canada. Quebec
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was from Canada and didn't speak English until she moved to the States. She used to sing that song to me when I was little, I forgot about it until I heard it on the Target commercial- brought me back to some fun memories of her.
ReplyDeleteReally like it.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in Ontario, Canada (an English speaking province) we had to learn French and sing that morbid song as little children. Never was quite sure what it meant; probably good that our teachers didn't tell us, or we'd all still be in therapy.
ReplyDeleteI am cajun, my Great grandparents came from french canada and i remember my french-speaking grandma singing this to me as a child. Thanks for posting what it's actually about lol
ReplyDeleteI remember watching the Tom n Jerry cartoon back in the late 70's, early 80's, n Jerry's lil friend was singing it! :-)And saying "Bonjour Monsieur Pussy Cat!" lol..Just watched it on youtube..SO KOOL!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I grew up in the early 80's and remember hearing this song but couldn't remember where. tom and jerry...yes!!!
DeleteI guess I'm in the minority here but I find this rendition of the song massively annoying and I find the entire ad obnoxious.
ReplyDeleteAgreed
DeleteYes, I believe you are in the minority. Whatever ad agency developed this commercial certainly has a winner, judging by all of the positive comments. I get a lift every time I hear it.
DeleteLove the commercial, the energy, the colors, the hot air balloon, sang the song as a child but only recalled singing the first two lines, would assume as another suggested the song was used to teach children bird body parts, studied French years ago, was excited to find the English translation,thanks for pleasant childhood memories Target.
ReplyDeleteI really think the whole commercial is symbolic of plucking the "uncolorful" and making it colorful..the lark is noted for waking people up! Waking them up with color! I liked it! Creative and the tune is familiar with a lot of people! BTW, Target is a French company last I knew...but they do many philanthropic contributions for the US...plus they provide jobs and insurance with the job.
ReplyDeleteAs others have stated, I too do not like the commercial. I actually find it offensive. I have also emailed Target and told them my viewpoint. I also stated to them that until the commercial is pulled they will not see another dime of my money. It may not mean a whole lot to their bottom line, but if enough people would do this, they might get the message.
ReplyDeleteI did some research this morning and found several other songs that would have worked well in their commercial. These are my top three picks: Dancin' in the Street, Good Vibrations, Do you Believe in Magic (although Macy*s used/uses "magic" in their advertising). Anyways, I believe that part of the reason Target may have used Alouette, as opposed to another song, is that Alouette is no longer a copyright protected song, hence Target is out no money for the right to use it. Who knows what royalties they would have had to pay for a much better song. This of course is just my two cents.