From the recording Jefferson and Liberty
"La Bastringue" has its origins in an old French tune from the 17th or 18th century and the term "bastringue" originally referred to a common dance hall. In French Canada, it became a "party song" which tells of an older man who wants to dance "La Bastringue" with a girl. He soon finds he is not up to the pace, and to save face, he tries to beg off by feigning concern for the lady's stamina. She proves equal to the task though, and he finally just has to give up. The song has come close to being an unofficial French-Canadian folk anthem and the dance is still done in traditional dance circles both in American and in Quebec.
Lyrics
Mademoiselle, voulez-vous danser La Bastringue?
Mademoiselle, voulez-vous danser? La Bastringue va commencer.
(Mademoiselle, would you like to dance the Bastringue?)
Mademoiselle, would you like to dance? The Bastringue is going to begin.)
Oui, Monsieur, je veux bien danser La Bastringue.
Oui, Monsieur, je veux bien danser La Bastringue, si vous voulez.
(Yes, Monsieur, I would like to dance the Bastringue.)
(Yes, Monsieur, I would like to dance the Bastringue, if you want.)
Mademoiselle, il faut arr?ter La Bastringue.
Mademoiselle, il faut arr?ter La Bastringue; vous allez vous fatiguer.
(Mademoiselle, we must stop dancing the Bastringue.)
(Mademoiselle, we must stop dancing the Bastringue; you will get too tired.)
Non, Monsieur, j'aime trop danser La Bastringue!
Non, Monsieur, j'aime trop danser; je suis pret recommencer!
(No, Monsieur, I like to dance the Bastringue too much!)
(No, Monsieur, I like to dance too much! I'm ready to start again!)
Mademoiselle, j'en peux plus de danser La Bastringue, La Bastringue.
Mademoiselle, j'en peux plus de danser car j'en ai des cors aux pieds.
(Mademoiselle, I can't dance the Bastringue any more.)
(Mademoiselle, I can't dance any more, I have corns on my feet.)