À la Claire Fontaine Lyrics in English Comptines , Berceuses

Imagine wandering past a crystal-clear fountain on a warm afternoon. That is where this beloved French folk song begins. The storyteller bathes in the inviting water, dries off beneath an oak tree, and listens to a carefree nightingale sing overhead. Yet while the bird’s melody is joyful, the singer’s heart is heavy. He confesses an old, unshakable love: “Il y a longtemps que je t’aime, jamais je ne t’oublierai” (I have loved you for so long, I will never forget you).

This bittersweet contrast is the soul of “À la Claire Fontaine.” Nature sparkles, birds rejoice, but the singer mourns losing his beloved after refusing her a simple bouquet of roses. The song blends serene scenery with gentle regret, making it both soothing and poignant. As you listen, notice how the repeating refrain turns the memory of love into a lullaby, reminding us that even heartache can sound beautiful when wrapped in the calm of flowing water and birdsong.