French listening practice with side-by-side translation
This popular French song, also called Marche Henri IV and Vive le roi Henri, was written in the late 16th century to celebrate Le Bon Roi Henri (Good King Henry), who ended the Huguenot Wars and restored peace to France. Over the centuries, lyrics have been added and sometimes changed completely to express the current political mood. The singing begins at 40 seconds.
Listening comprehension: See the links at the bottom for lessons related to the phrases in italics.
| Vive Henri IV ! | Long live Henri IV! |
| Vive Henri IV ! Vive ce roi vaillant ! Vive Henri IV ! Vive ce roi vaillant ! Ce diable à quatre a le triple talent De boire et de se battre et d’être un Vert galant. |
Translation
Long live Henri IV! Long live this valiant king! [collapse]
|
| J’aimons les filles et j’aimons le bon vin, J’aimons les filles et j’aimons le bon vin, De nos bons drilles, voilà le gai refrain ; J’aimons les filles et j’aimons le bon vin ! |
Translation
We love girls and We love good wine, [collapse]
|
| Au diable guerres, rancunes et partis ! Au diable guerres, rancunes et partis ! Comme nos pères, chantons en vrais amis, Au choc des verres, les roses et les lys ! |
Translation
To the devil with wars, grudges, and taking sides! [collapse]
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| Vive la France ! Vive le roi Henri ! Vive la France ! Vive le roi Henri ! Qu’à Reims on danse, en disant comme Paris : Vive la France ! Vive le roi Henri ! Vive le roi Henri ! |
Translation
Long live France! Long live King Henri! [collapse]
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| Video courtesy of Gainmelk. | Translation by LKL |
Listening comprehension
Expressions
Grammar
- Vive Henri IV – subjunctive (third person command)
- ce roi – demonstrative adjective
- boire, être – infinitives
- se battre – pronominal verb in the infinitive
- nos bons drilles – possessive adjective
- chantons – imperative
- en disant – present participle
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