Lyrics
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines!
Din, dan, don. Din, dan, don.
Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John,
Morning bells are ringing! Morning bells are ringing!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
About This Song
"Frère Jacques" is a traditional French nursery rhyme that has been translated into almost every language on Earth. In English, it is most commonly known as "Are You Sleeping?".
The song is traditionally sung as a round (or canon), where one group starts singing and another group begins the same melody a few moments later. This creates a beautiful, layered harmony that children find fascinating.
The lyrics tell the story of a monk (Brother James or Brother John) who has overslept and needs to wake up to ring the bells for the morning prayers (matines). It's a perfect song for both playtime and a gentle wakeup call!