Here are over 100 versions of 'Frre Jacques' from around the world. Its almost time for breakfast, and the other Brothers are trying to wake up Brother John. It's known all over the world and has been translated or adapted into many languages. Picture a tiny monastery in the hills of France. 'Frre Jacques' is a French rhyme from the 18th century that was most likely composed by Jean-Philippe Rameau. Morning bells are ringing! Morning bells are ringing!ĭing, dang, dong. Brother John) - Many Versions Around The World. Contrary to the common beliefs les matines meaning Matins (or Mattins) which is a canonical hour of Christian liturgy. Normally, for bells you’d say “les cloches (f, pl). Frère Jacques is a French song for children the original version of the well-known nursery rhyme Brother John. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Les matines is a word that is not used much in modern french but it means bells. Are You Sleeping Brother John (Frre Jacques) Multi-Lingual Nursery Rhyme ItsyBitsyKids. On the next line you’ll read: “Sonnez les matines”. When you invert vous dormez (you are sleeping) to dormez-vous you get the question: “Are you sleeping?”. In the French version, morning bells are NOT ringing, which is why Brother John is being implored to rise from sleep to do his job. If you’re just starting to get into French vocabulary this should be a good starting point as you should already be familiar with the tune and English words of the song.įirstly, I’ve always like the name, Jacques, as that was my host father’s name in France and he’s a great guy and fantastic French teacher! On line two you’ll see: Dormez-vous? That’s the verb, dormir (to sleep) in the vous (you plural or formal) form.

If you are an adult and are learning French for the first time or if you’re a child and are just starting your studies then learning French songs really is the way to go! Ever since I can remember I have loved the song Frère Jacques. Frre Jacques (are You Sleeping) lyrics by Children on 50 Favourite Nursery Rhymes (2013).

Brother john are you sleeping lyrics