The pretty Parisian pine tree, Dancing Denise, introduces herself
Story behind the song
From the musical "TREES!" In a holiday-tree display along the Avenue des Champs Élysées, the heroine Dancing Denise introduces herself.
Lyrics
Inclined to be unique among trees
I reveal my name; je m’appelle Denise.
I come from a forest in Chantilly
In northern France that is somewhat hilly
I’m like no other arbre you may know,
footloose, no roots, I am set to go.
I am quite refined and somewhat classy,
My friends accuse me of being sassy.
Denise pauses, then resumes.
(spoken)
Why am I here? You well may ask!
Mistaken for the ordinary fir,
I must now conform, madame and sir.
Among common shrubs against my will
To join this holiday-tree festival.
(sung)
But je ne suis pas sapin de noël,
Je suis un pin et je suis assez belle.
My friends I’ll be brief, without cliché
So that my welcome I’ll not overstay.
Unburdened am I by vulgar roots
Instead I sport white stylish boots
And a pillbox hat with a veil of white;
I am, you can see, a delightful sight.
“Wherever I might find myself in France,
Be it Loire or Picardy or Provence,
I have an urge, which is for me bonne chance
To sway, swing and turn in short, faire la dance.
“It’s time now, je pense, that the waltz commence.
Denise begins to sway as if dancing a waltz.
“Sway with me one-two-three
Swinging free
Dance with me
Tra-la-la la-la-la la-la la
Tra-la-la la tra-la-la la
Tra-la-la la-la-la la-la la-la-la.
Denise curtsies, then says,
“Thank you, thank you, thank you, and good-bye.