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I came across an insane child's melody about stepping kittens. What is the
etymology of this melody?

[猫ふんじゃった](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y5JrNclaDM)

And, what does "かつぶしゃる" mean?
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2017-03-30T03:58:33.530
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question
etymology song-lyrics
What is the etymology of this child's melody about stepping on kittens?
It's not かつぶしゃる but かつぶし + やる. かつぶし is
[かつおぶし](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsuobushi) (known in Japan as cats'
favorite food), and やる is "to give". "猫かつぶしやるからよっといで" = "Cat, I'll give you
katsuobushi, so come closer."

* * *

The melody itself is [Flea
Waltz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_Flohwalzer), and is known all over
the world under various names. The composer is unknown.

The best-known Japanese lyrics, which you linked, were written by Hiroo Sakata
in the 1960's. There is [another version by Toshio
Oka](https://mojim.com/jpy112799x1x19.htm). The English lyrics you posted look
somewhat similar to Sakata's version, but looks much more cruel and weird.
Where did you find it?

There are a few people who study this song (like [Rumiko
Miyamoto](http://www.geocities.co.jp/MusicHall/2623/)), but apparently no one
knows why the lyricist came up with these lines. But are they that insane? I
mean, as compared to Mother Goose, for example?
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2017-03-30T04:55:42.657
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answer