I can't remember who first told me that not only was this song sung and played at the witches' sabbat Back When, but that, in fact, it actually describes the uncanny goings-on there.

The reason for the song's witchy reputation is unclear. The sheer unreality of the scenario? The implied masquerade? The tune's leering allusion to the plainchant Dies Irae?

Well, whether witches capered to this tune in the old days or not, we certainly do now. In fact, we'll be singing and dancing it at the upcoming Midwest Grand Sabbat this year. With luck, the Devil's Piper himself will be there to play.

Of the many different versions of this song that exist, what follows is the oldest known to me, given in Medieval French, English translation, and singable English lyrics.

Grab your bagpipe and play along.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2iXnyanhzI

 

J'ai Vu le Loup

J'ai vû le loup, le r'nard. le lièvre,

j'ai vû le loup, le r'nard cheuler.

C'est moi-mêne que les ai r'beuillés.

 

J'ai ouï le loup, le r'nard. le lièvre,

j'ai ouï le loup, le r'nard chanter.

C'est moi-mêne que les ai r'chignés.

 

J'ai vû le loup, le r'nard. le lièvre,

j'ai vû le loup, le r'nard danser.

C'est moi-mêne que les ai r'virés.

 

I saw the wolf, the fox, the hare,

I saw the wolf and the fox get drunk.

I yelled at them myself.

 

I heard the wolf, the fox, the hare,

I heard the wolf and the fox sing.

I scowled at them myself.

 

I saw the wolf, the fox, the hare,

I saw the wolf, the fox dance.

I spun them around myself. 

 

I Saw the Wolf

(Singable English)

 

I saw the wolf, the fox, the rabbit,

I saw the wolf and the rabbit dance,

I myself, when I got the chance.

I saw the wolf, the fox, the rabbit,

I myself, when I got the chance,

I saw the wolf and the rabbit dance.

 

I heard the wolf, the fox, the rabbit,

I heard the wolf's and the rabbit's song,

on my bagpipe, I played along.

I heard the wolf, the fox, the rabbit,

on my bagpipe, I played along,

I heard the wolf's and the rabbit's song.

 

I saw the wolf, the fox, the rabbit,

I saw the wolf and the rabbit play,

making merry till break of day.

I saw the wolf, the fox, the rabbit,

 making merry till break of day,

I saw the wolf and the rabbit play.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2iXnyanhzI