Frère Jacques
Sophie Barker Lyrics

The song "Frere Jacques" is a simple and traditional children's song that sings about a sleeping monk and the bells that he should ring. Throughout the lyrics, the song addresses a monk named Frere Jacques who is fast asleep and it's time for him to wake up and ring the morning bells. The song repeats a few times with the same words, "Frere Jacques, Dormez-vous?" with "Dormez-vous" meaning "Are you sleeping?" and "Sonnez les matines" meaning "Ring the morning bells". The tune is light and bouncy, and the words are easy to sing along with. The repetition of the lyrics makes the song catchy and easy for children to remember.

Although the song is commonly labeled as a French song for children, it is unclear whether the song actually originated in France. Many historians believe that it was originally a Dutch song called "Broeder Jacob" that was later translated into French. Additionally, the song may have been originally composed for a Catholic seminary to teach young seminarians how to recognize different hours for prayers through its simple melody. Nonetheless, the song remains a popular classic and traditional nursery rhyme that remains popular today.