Frère Jacques
Wonder Kids Lyrics
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Dormez vous? Dormez vous?
Sonnez les matines, Sonnez les matines
Ding Ding Dong, Ding Ding Dong
Are you sleeping, are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John?
Morning bells are ringing,
Ding Ding Dong, Ding Ding Dong.
The popular children's song Frere Jacques, also known as Brother John, is a traditional French nursery rhyme. The song features a simple melody that is easy to sing along to and is often used as a means of teaching children about rhythm and melody. The lyrics are sung in a call-and-response format, making it ideal for group singing.
The song opens with a question directed towards Brother John, asking him whether he is sleeping. The second verse repeats the question in English, emphasizing the universal appeal of the lyrics. The third line urges the morning bells to ring, indicating that it is time to wake up. The refrain features the catchy Ding Ding Dong, which adds to the overall playfulness of the song. The simple melody and rhythmic lyrics make Frere Jacques a staple of preschool and kindergarten classrooms around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Brother Jacques, Brother Jacques,
Dormez vous? Dormez vous?
Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Sonnez les matines, Sonnez les matines
Ring the matins, Ring the matins
Ding Ding Dong, Ding Ding Dong
Ding Ding Dong, Ding Ding Dong
Morning bells are ringing,
The bells for morning prayer are ringing,
Brother John, Brother John?
Are you sleeping, Brother John?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LESTER ALVIN BARNES, LUCINDA WHITELEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind