Frère Jacques
French Songs For Kids Lyrics

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Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques
Dormez-vous?
Dormez-vous?

Sonnez les matines
Sonnez les matines
Ding, ding, dong

Ding, ding, dong

Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques
Dormez-vous?
Dormez-vous?

Sonnez les matines
Sonnez les matines
Ding, ding, dong
Ding, ding, dong

Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques
Dormez-vous?
Dormez-vous?

Sonnez les matines
Sonnez les matines
Ding, ding, dong
Ding, ding, dong

Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques
Dormez-vous?
Dormez-vous?

Sonnez les matines
Sonnez les matines

Ding, ding, dong
Ding, ding, dong

Overall Meaning

"Frère Jacques" is a traditional French nursery rhyme that has been popular for centuries. The song is about a monk who overslept and missed the morning call to prayer. The opening lines ask "Brother John, are you sleeping?" and continue to ask if he has heard the morning bells ringing. The repetition of the lines makes it easy for children to memorize and sing along.

The repeated phrase "Sonnez les matines" in the song means "ring the morning bells." The song ends with a message to wake up and start the day.

The song has been used as a learning tool in early childhood education, as it helps children to recognize and identify the sounds of the French language.

Line by Line Meaning

Frère Jacques
Brother John

Dormez-vous?
Are you sleeping?

Sonnez les matines
Ring the morning bells

Ding, ding, dong
Ding, ding, dong

Frère Jacques
Brother John

Dormez-vous?
Are you sleeping?

Sonnez les matines
Ring the morning bells

Ding, ding, dong
Ding, ding, dong

Frère Jacques
Brother John

Dormez-vous?
Are you sleeping?

Sonnez les matines
Ring the morning bells